Magoha in mop up exercise for learners yet to join Form One

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha will this morning lead an  exercise aimed at identifying Form One learners yet to report to schools.

The nationwide exercise will be conducted jointly by Education and Interior ministries. It comes about a week since the admission of Form Ones closed.

Director of Secondary Education Paul Kibet said good progress has been made so far in terms of reporting, with over one million learners expected to join secondary schools.

“The 100 per cent transition policy, provides for all learners who sit the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams, to proceed to secondary education,” said Kibet in a statement.

During the exercise, Kibet said the ministry would inform the country on reporting trends to Form One, even as he assured that the government will see to it that all eligible learners report to Form One in their nearest day secondary school.

Access to education

He said learners in day secondary schools are not required to pay any fees, which comes as a relief for children from poor background.

The Constitution and Basic Education Act, provides for free and compulsory basic education for all children, regardless of the status, gender and other considerations that might hamper children’s access to education.

To this end, the government is expected to provide free education for children from pre-primary, primary and secondary education.

Last week, Magoha defended the 100 per cent transition policy saying it has brought all learners on board, including those who would not have had an opportunity.

“One of most important things that this government has done is the policy of 100 per cent transition.

It is unfortunate that Parliament wants me to justify this, yet the results are open. This is the fourth year,” Magoha explained.

He also said that transition is not just about primary to secondary, it mops up everyone even in technical institutions.

He said that the 100 per cent transition  has been one of the most transformative policies.

The CS said counties like Nairobi and Bomet have achieved the 100 per cent transition to secondary schools and in collaboration with the  Interior ministry, they will conduct a mop up exercise to get those who are yet to report to school in the other counties.

Form Ones’ began reporting to their respective secondary schools on August 2, but the government extended the exercise, which was to run for a week to allow all learners to be admitted  in the spirit of the 100 per cent transition.

“The ministry has decided to extend the reporting period by one week, to enable parents/guardians enroll their children in various secondary schools. 

All principals of schools are instructed to admit all learners reporting, including those who may not have the full school fees,” read a circular issued by the Ministry.

Principals were also directed to engage parents and guardians to make arrangements for fees payment.