Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that Grade 10 students in under-enrolled senior schools will be transferred to other institutions starting next week. With 92 percent of learners already reporting to school, the government is ensuring seamless learning despite textbook delays. School principals face dismissal if they refuse admission due to lack of fees or uniforms.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced on January 26, 2026, during a press briefing that the ministry is gathering data on senior schools with low Grade 10 enrollment to facilitate student transfers starting next week. These students will move to institutions with higher numbers and sufficient infrastructure capacity. The ministry is working with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to address schools left without Grade 10 classes.
"For any higher school that has not received many students, we will have the data of the number of students and make a decision on where those students shall be moved to and deal with the schools that have no learners," Ogamba said.
Regarding textbooks, 50 percent have been distributed, with the remaining 50 percent arriving by the end of January. Ogamba dismissed claims that students are idling, stating teachers are providing orientation on senior school subjects. This is the first year for Grade 10, and future transitions will be smoother.
The government paid Sh5.6 billion in debts to publishers to start distribution on January 16, with 40 percent already delivered. These books will last four years. Additionally, Ogamba warned principals in Kisii on January 25 that they risk dismissal if they refuse to admit students without fees or uniforms by Friday, January 30.
"Any teacher who will decline to admit a student just because the student does not have school fees or a uniform should also be ready to go back to school," Ogamba said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed this in Kericho, assuring that the government will handle uniforms and fees after students enroll. President William Ruto directed on January 22 in Meru that children be allowed to join in junior secondary uniforms if needed.