Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner (CC) Norbert Komora says more than 12, 000 students in the county were expected to transition to secondary schools.
Speaking to the media at his Chuka office, the commissioner said that there are 462 primary schools in the county, among which 243 are public, and 119 private, while secondary schools are 166 with 154 public, and 12 private, hence the number of students in primary schools were more than the capacity secondary schools could hold.
He however stated that the government is working towards ensuring that every student who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) successfully transitions to form one.
“It is our duty as government to ensure each student has been given the opportunity to further their studies,” he said.
Komora disclosed that 7, 891 students have already joined secondary schools so far with 3, 713 being male and the other 4, 178 female.
He further revealed that they would ensure that other candidates got admissions in other schools outside the county to ensure no student was left behind.
He urged those who were not willing to join secondary school to enroll in Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) institutes for further studies.
“Those who feel they cannot join secondary schools should enroll in TVET institutes hence there should be no excuse why a student does not further their education,” he said
The CC said they would soon form a County Education Board to ensure students in all the sub counties who cleared class 8 successfully transition to secondary school.
The government is trying to curb the wastage of bright students between classes 8 and form one through availing the necessary resources for candidates to transition.
Komora pleaded with parents to play their part as the government works towards providing infrastructure and bursaries for the students.
He urged them to take advantage of other forms of government or non-governmental bursaries such as National Government Constituencies Development Fund NG-CDF, Equity foundation, Mpesa foundation, and Family bank among others.
“Most times the government pays half and the parents the other half. Parents should therefore take advantage of other forms of bursaries,” he said.
While at it, he urged politicians to conduct peaceful rallies when asking for votes to ensure a peace environment during the election period.
By Sharon Gitau
