Questions have emerged about secondary schools' capacity to accommodate new students expected to join the competency-based secondary system next year. Education Minister Julius Ogamba states that schools have extra spaces, but some principals express concerns particularly over STEM infrastructure.
An estimated 1.13 million students are expected to join secondary schools next year, with the Ministry of Education anticipating 100% enrollment. This was announced during the release of KJSEA results, where Basic Education Secretary Julius Bitok stated, “We say 1.13 million students will join secondary schools while the schools' capacity is 1.5 million, we are fine and expect 100% of the students whose results we released today.”
Minister Ogamba clarified that capacity in 9,540 secondary schools will increase by 929,262 students following KCSE this year. Students will be placed in clusters 1 to 4 based on their performance and chosen streams, including STEM, Arts and Sports, and Social Sciences.
However, with only one month remaining before the January 12, 2026, reporting date, only English textbooks have been delivered to schools. This delay stems from a Sh10 billion debt owed to publishers. Additionally, many schools lack functional computer labs and struggle to settle debts for purchased equipment.
One principal, who declined to be named, said, “Apart from not having computers, we have debts for laboratory equipment including chemicals.” Another principal estimates Sh700,000 to convert one classroom into a computer lab, funds the school does not possess. These educators highlight significant concerns about delivering quality education in the STEM stream due to insufficient ICT infrastructure and equipment.