Over 50,000 learners scramble for 20 national school slots

By Newsflash Writer

As the seven-day Grade 10 placement revision window closes today, the Ministry of Education has disclosed that learners are still aggressively seeking placement in Cluster One (national) schools despite the limited number of available spaces.

The scramble persists even as President William Ruto on Sunday reassured the country of a 100 per cent transition to senior secondary school, saying Sh40 billion had been earmarked to support the 1.13 million learners joining Grade 10.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the competition is intense, with more than 50,000 learners applying for only 20 national schools. He revealed that the Ministry has so far received 343,000 placement revision requests—about 33 per cent of all candidates—as parents and learners race to secure slots in top-tier institutions. Of these, 183,000 requests have already been processed, with 116,000 approved and changes implemented.

Merit and capacity lock out thousands

However, 67,000 applications were rejected, mainly due to strict merit-based cut-off points and limited capacity. Prof Bitok stressed that placement decisions must adhere to established criteria, noting that not all appeals can be granted.

“Placement must strictly follow the guidelines. Learners should also take note of the schools listed on the placement portal and apply to institutions where they meet the requirements,” he said. Learners whose applications are declined because of merit or capacity limitations, he added, are encouraged to reapply to other eligible schools.

On Tuesday, the Ministry rolled out a digital platform allowing parents and school administrators to request changes to senior secondary placements. The system is intended to reduce anxiety among learners unhappy with their initial school or pathway allocation.

The revision window is meant to address cases where candidates are dissatisfied with their assigned school or pathway, while ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to national placement rules. Under the new framework, each learner may choose up to four alternative schools, increasing the likelihood of securing a preferred option.

For instance, a learner initially placed at Kakamega High School but aspiring to join Alliance High School may list Alliance as the first choice and select three additional alternatives. Prof Bitok said approvals have been decentralised to enhance efficiency, with Cluster One decisions handled at Ministry headquarters, Cluster Two by regional directors, Cluster Three by county directors, and Cluster Four by sub-county directors.

Government assures 100 percent transition

Prof Bitok said requests cut across pathways and regions, with learners seeking to move between STEM, social sciences, arts, and sports tracks. He spoke while overseeing the process at Naivasha Boys Boarding Junior Secondary School, noting that delegating responsibilities to field officers has helped speed up reviews.

Meanwhile, President Ruto, speaking in Narok on Sunday, sought to calm fears surrounding the historic transition, dismissing what he termed unnecessary propaganda and announcing a Sh44 billion funding package to support competency-based education in senior school.

“I want to tell those introducing small politics and unnecessary propaganda into the education of our children to keep off. All 1.13 million learners will be placed in senior schools in January,” the President said at Covenant Church International in Rotian, Narok County.

He warned politicians against dragging children into “meaningless politics,” insisting that no funding for free basic education has been reduced. Since taking office in 2022, he said, his administration has implemented far-reaching education reforms to support the transition.

To ensure a smooth reopening in January 2026, President Ruto confirmed that Sh22,000 per learner in capitation funds has been allocated, with Sh44 billion expected to reach school accounts before term begins. He also cited the recruitment of 100,000 teachers, construction of 23,000 classrooms, and completion of 1,600 laboratories.

Despite the 24-hour placement portal and delegated approval powers, challenges persist on the ground. Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba has urged Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to direct all 23,000 public primary school heads to help parents navigate the digital system.

“Kenyans are confused. Parents are suffering. Head teachers should guide them through this process,” Mr Bedzimba said, urging parents not to lose hope.