EXPLAINER: Why Grade 10 Transition Is Extremely Low
The Ministry of Education has informed parents and students that the transition to Grade 10 senior school is going well, despite concerns about low student turnout in some schools.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok emphasized that all 1.1 million students have been put in schools across the country, with sufficient capacity to accommodate each student under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking on Thursday at Alliance Boys High School, PS Bitok indicated that ministry personnel and field teams are actively assisting students, parents, and school administrators to guarantee a smooth reporting process.
He advised schools to be flexible, even admitting students over the weekend, in order to maximize enrollment before the formal deadline.
Wanafunzi wa gredi ya 10:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 15, 2026
Katibu wa elimu Bitok akagua jinsi wanafunzi wanavyopokelewa
Prof. Julius Bitok azunguka katika shule kadhaa jijini Nairobi#SemaNaCitizen pic.twitter.com/kNuDyjH7HC
“Overall, the transition process is going on very smoothly. Our officers are on the ground supporting learners and parents to ensure the process is seamless,” he stated.
However, numerous schools have reported slower-than-normal student reporting, with administrators noting issues such as multiple placements and parental ambivalence.
One school claimed that only 400 of the planned 730 students had reported, with some kids first assigned to different schools, causing confusion.
Ministry officials intervened, undoing erroneous transfers to guarantee that students were admitted to the correct colleges.
VIDEO UPDATE: Education PS Julius Bitok says the Government is committed to solving all challenges affecting students joining senior schools in Kenya. #TV47News pic.twitter.com/kcQKBB2ueb
— TV 47 Digital (@tv47digital) January 15, 2026
PS Bitok asked parents to trust the digital placement system and stated that students can verify their school assignments by sending an SMS to 22263 or using the official portal.
He also stated that parents wanting adjustments had until January 16 to submit changes, though the ministry cautioned that popular institutions with limited space may be unable to accommodate all requests.
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The Education PS also highlighted that while some students prefer certain schools, the ministry’s priority is ensuring that every learner has access to education.
He noted that more than 50,000 students applied to only 20 top schools, creating high demand for a few institutions.
“It is important for parents to accept the schools their children have been allocated. Every learner has a place, and the ministry is working to make the process as smooth as possible,” PS Bitok added.
Officials reaffirmed that the transition process is on track, with continued monitoring and support from county directors, school principals, and the ministry to address bottlenecks.
EXPLAINER: Why Grade 10 Transition Is Extremely Low
