Any Chief in Magarini sub-county who will manage to achieve 100 percent enrolment of last year’s class eight pupils into secondary school will earn a cash reward of Sh. 50,000.
The Coast Regional Commissioner (RC), John Elung’ata has offered to reward the top achiever among chiefs in the sub-county who will undertake to get those who sat KCPE but are yet to report to secondary schools they were selected to join.
Elung’ata also ordered chiefs to arrest parents of the 2019 Form Ones who were expected to have reported to school from 7th January but have yet to do so.
Speaking in Gongoni Youth Training Centre of Magarini sub-county during a meeting for education stakeholders, including parents and principals on Wednesday, Elung’ata said that the government will not relent in enforcing the 100 per cent transition to secondary school policy, as promised by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The RC said only 64 percent of all the candidates who sat for last year’s K.C.P.E in Magarini Sub County have reported to their respective secondary schools.
“About 700 pupils in Magarini are nowhere to be found in the schools they were invited to. Parents’ reluctance is the major reason behind this matter. I want to tell parents that we are coming for you,” he warned.
The cash offer by Elung’ata prompted Magarini sub-county Deputy County Commissioner, Simon Lokorio to top up the prize with an extra Sh.10,000 for the chief who will deliver on the assignment.
Elung’ata also said some school administrators, especially day schools principals, have been reported to be charging extra fees despite the free day secondary school directive by the government.
The administrator said, “no form of impediment should bar the children from going to school. Whether with or without any school facility, including school uniform, principals are hereby ordered to admit them the way they are.”
He cautioned teachers against charging an extra fees that is not sanctioned by the Ministry of Education, adding that it is against the law, hence it will be treated as a theft and corruption case which will, in turn, taint their reputation.
Speaking at the same meeting, the coast Regional Education Coordinator, Hassan Duale urged teachers to implement the free-day schools policy as provided for by the government.
Duale said, “if the government pays for everything including facilities and maintenance, what is the money for desks needed for? Let us support the government and ensure all children go to school.”
Area MCA, Reson Kambi urged parents to liaise with teachers and discuss how education in the sub-county can be improved.
By Simon Guruba/James Mwalimu
