Confusion, Despair As Parents Scramble Grade 10 Placement Review’s Senior Schools
Across the country, worried parents are flocking to senior secondary schools in a last-ditch bid to secure spots for their children.
The rush followed the start of a second evaluation window on Monday, when the Ministry of Education directed that the process begin at the senior schools of choice.
However, even as parents line and submit petitions, many are unaware of their children’s fate, with numerous schools already claiming that they are at capacity.
With only five days until the first Grade Ten class reports, parents around the country are filled with anxiety, as many are still wondering where their children will begin senior secondary school.
A note posted at Machakos Boys High School’s main gate recounts a scenario that is repeated in numerous C1 schools around the country.
Grade 10 placement confusion
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 7, 2026
Parents throng schools seeking Grade 10 slots
Some schools receiving requests say they are full
The second window of review will run until Friday
Schools of interest allowed to process requests#JKLive pic.twitter.com/XGwJRqdck8
Grade 10 Placement Headache:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 5, 2026
Parents throng various schools seeking grade 10 slots
Over a million learners set to join senior school next week
Nyaigoti: I want my twins to join the same school
KUPPET raises concerns over infrastructure, teacher shortage#CitizenMondayReport pic.twitter.com/FCccQXnjOy
This involves overburdened systems, unanswered questions, and parents trapped at a crossroads, waiting for answers on their children’s future.
“Nilikuja hapa Monday kuleta results za mtoto wangu, wakasema watatupigia simu jana,” said Winfred Mbai, a resident of Machakos.
“Nikangoja, sikupigiwa. Leo nimekuwa nikingoja, wakasema mwisho leo saa nane. Hiyo saa nane haijafika, lakini sioni dalili.”
“Nilifika hapa saa tatu asubuhi na bado niko hapa jioni, inaelekea saa kumi. Sitoki, naendelea kukaa hapa nikisubiri mwalimu mkuu anipatie jibu,” said Venic Juma, a resident.
“Nilifika hapa by seven. Hata sijakula, ni maji tu tunakunywa hapa. Lakini kwa ufupi, hatujapata majibu. Wamesema tungoje ifike Friday ndio sasa watatuambie,” added Benard Mokaya, a resident of Nyamira.
Grade 10 Placement Crisis:
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) January 7, 2026
Parents seeking placements for their children joining Grade 10 continue to face challenges as the high cost of living takes its toll.
Headteachers have now been authorised to process transfer applications.#NTVTonight @DannMwangi @labaanshabaan pic.twitter.com/ceVteyh0h3
To alleviate the load, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba announced on Monday the opening of a second review session for Grade Ten placement, which will begin at learners’ preferred senior secondary institutions.
But, even as parents pour in, school administrators claim their hands are bound, forcing them to advise without the authority to enrol students.
“We have received over 300 requests from parents because the government does not allow us to issue admission letters,” said Mark Mose, Principal of Nyansiongo Boys High School.
“But I am humbly requesting the ministry to allow us to admit as per our capacity.”
Manoo Benson, Chief Principal at Machakos School, noted that:
“We have received almost 800 requests for placement, and they can be considered in case some students do not turn up. Then we can be able to assist them.”
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“There were 25 slots declared for Kisumu Boys, so we sought clarification from the ministry, and now we are in the procedure of initiating the transfers online,” said Truphosa Mutola, Deputy Principal of Kisumu Boys School.
An estimated 1.13 million students are set to begin Grade Ten next Monday.
During the first placement review phase, the Ministry of Education received more than 343,000 requests.
The second review window remains open until January 9 — a race against time for parents hoping certainty will finally replace confusion.
Confusion, Despair As Parents Scramble Grade 10 Placement Review’s Senior Schools
