Government reports that over 131,000 learners are yet to report to Form One are disturbing.

The Ministry of Education says 1,268,185 out of 1.4 million who sat the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) or 91 per cent had reported to various categories of schools as at January 26.

Some 5,723 opted to join vocational institutions while 169 are said to be dead.

But the question is the whereabouts of the those who are yet to report to school.

Coming at a time when the country’s education is undergoing a paradigm shift, which is gradually phasing out the 8-4-4 system to Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), it is a cause for concern.

It is also not lost on Kenyans that the country will not have another Form One class, another significant development in the education system.

Even as we urge the government to take this matter more seriously, it is also the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children report to secondary school.

It is also worrying that as the admissions to Form One continue, there has been growing concern over the number of extremely needy cases that have been appealing for assistance to continue with their studies.

This is despite the fact that dozens of organisations have been offering scholarships to children from poor backgrounds.

The government has been firm, saying there has to be a 100 per cent transition to secondary school, especially coming at a time when it has invested heavily in the education sector.

Similarly, the government has committed to work with the National Government Administration officials to comb all areas across the country so that no child is left behind as curtain falls on Form One admissions under the 8-4-4 System.

The government should make deliberate efforts to ensure that it combs up all areas, especially those that have recorded low numbers of admissions like Kajiado, Narok, Isiolo and Kilifi.

School provides essential knowledge and skills, which are critical for their future academic, personal, and professional success.

A supportive learning environment will empower children to realize their full potential.
That is why we are asking the government to step up its campaign and ensure no child is left behind.