Pauline Njoroge has said that only a small fraction of learners joining Grade 10 have reported to school across the country.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 2026, Pauline Njoroge said the low turnout shows that many families are struggling to cope with the rising cost of education, warning that the country risks reversing gains made under the 100 per cent transition policy.

“Only 300,000 grade 10 learners out of 1.3 million have reported to school across the country,” she wrote.

Njoroge explained that behind the numbers are real families forced to make difficult choices because of economic pressure and school-related costs that many can no longer afford.

She listed the lack of school fees as the first major obstacle preventing learners from attending school.

“Lack of school fees due to economic hardships,” she wrote.

She also criticised what she described as unreasonable school requirements that continue to lock out learners, especially those from low-income households.

“The long list of requirements is holding back students as some schools insist on purchasing items only from specified shops,” she wrote.

According to Njoroge, parents attempting to move their children to alternative schools are facing even tougher conditions.

“Those looking for alternative schools for their children are being asked to clear one year’s fees before their kids can be admitted,” Pauline stated.

She further noted that transport costs have become another hidden burden, particularly for learners posted to schools far from their homes.

“Fare is quite high for learners admitted to schools in far-flung areas,” she wrote.

Njoroge warned that unless urgent action is taken, Kenya risks undoing years of progress made in expanding access to basic education.

“All the hard-won gains towards 100% transition are slipping away before our eyes,” she wrote.

She questioned the direction the country is taking if basic education is allowed to fail at such a critical stage.

“What future are we constructing if we undermine the very foundation of basic education?” she asked.

Drawing a broader national comparison, she cautioned against chasing development dreams while neglecting classrooms.

“A nation that stumbles at this first rung cannot hope to climb higher,” she wrote.

She concluded by warning that education shortcuts come at a high long-term cost.

“You do not leap to Singapore by dismantling the classroom,” she concluded.