Grade 10 Admission: Teachers Firing Students Over Fees or Uniforms to Be Removed

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Education CS Julius Ogamba Issues Warning to School Heads

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has issued a strong warning to school administrators, urging them not to block Grade 10 admissions due to issues related to uniforms or fees. He emphasized that any school head found violating this directive would face severe consequences, including dismissal.

This directive came in response to President William Ruto’s instructions for local administrators to ensure the full transition of all learners into senior secondary education. The Ministry of Education has identified several challenges that have hindered this process, including the lack of school fees, uniforms, and learning materials. However, it has made it clear that no child should be denied admission under any circumstances.

Ogamba specifically addressed teachers who might turn away students for not having the required uniforms or paying the necessary fees. He stated that such actions would not be tolerated, saying, “Those children who come to school without uniform and school fees should not be sent home. If any teacher sends a child home, we will send you home too.” This statement underscores the government's commitment to ensuring access to education for all students.

President Ruto’s directive was issued following the results of the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), which saw a total of 1.1 million learners sit for the exam. This marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s education system, as it highlighted the country’s progress toward universal access to senior secondary education.

As of January 19, the Ministry of Education reported that 850,000 learners, or 77% of those eligible, had already enrolled in senior schools. During a visit to Meru on January 22, Ruto reiterated his call for full school attendance, emphasizing that no child should be denied admission due to financial or uniform-related barriers.

The president also instructed schools to allow learners to report for Grade 10 in their junior secondary uniforms while parents organize themselves financially. Additionally, he tasked local chiefs with enforcing this directive within their jurisdictions. Ruto noted that government funds have already been disbursed to schools, and therefore, no learner should be barred from reporting due to fees.

The Ministry of Education acknowledged that there are exceptions to the rule, such as cases involving students in prison, those enrolled in private schools, or situations where a learner has passed away. These exceptions highlight the complexity of the education system and the need for flexible policies.

Transition to Competence-Based Education (CBE)

In other developments, the minimum university entry grade requirement is set to be phased out as Kenya transitions to the Competence-Based Education (CBE) system. This shift aims to align university admissions with the new educational framework, which focuses on assessing students based on their competencies rather than traditional grading systems.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is considering scrapping the C+ minimum grade requirement for university entry. KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome explained that the current system places excessive emphasis on the number of students achieving a C+ grade, often overlooking alternative academic pathways. She pointed out that only 27.18% of candidates qualified for direct university admission in the 2025 KCSE results, a slight increase from the previous year.

The C+ cut-off, introduced in 2016, replaced the Joint Admissions Board’s B plain to B minus threshold for government-sponsored degree programs. Wahome emphasized that the requirement will gradually be eliminated as Kenya fully adopts the CBE system, which is currently at the senior school stage.

Under the CBE framework, learners are assessed on a scale of one to eight points, ranging from "Below Expectations" to "Exceeding Expectations." This approach allows students who do not meet the direct entry grade to pursue certificate and diploma courses in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions before advancing to university.

By 2027, when the last cohort of students under the 8-4-4 system completes Form Four, the C+ requirement will naturally fade away. This transition marks a significant shift in Kenya’s education landscape, focusing more on practical skills and competencies rather than traditional academic performance metrics.