Following a first revision phase that drew over 100,000 applications, Kenya's Ministry of Education has announced a second review period for Grade 10 senior school placements from January 6 to 9, 2026. Education CS Julius Ogamba cited legitimate reasons for requests, as schools reopen on January 5.
Building on the initial Grade 10 placements and a first revision window ending December 29, 2025—which saw over 100,000 requests but only about 2,000 approvals—the Ministry of Education is offering a limited second chance for changes. Announced January 2, 2026, by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, this phase runs January 6-9 and requires verifiable grounds like affordability, proximity, or pathway mismatches, addressing persistent parent and stakeholder concerns.
Requests can be submitted via junior schools or directly to preferred senior schools, processed by heads through the placement portal. Joining instructions have been available since December 30, with reporting set for January 12.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chair Willie Kuria criticized the automated system's lack of transparency, noting it provides schools only names without results or backgrounds, unlike the prior equitable model. They advocate a hybrid approach with parental input and ministry oversight.
The ministry emphasized official channels to minimize disruptions for the 2026 academic year start, with Regional and County Directors monitoring compliance.
