In a striking revelation, over 5,000 out of 9,750 senior schools were overlooked by students entering Grade 10 in 2026, prompting serious questions about school selection and geographical influence.
On Thursday, July 17, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that the placement process for 1.2 million Grade 9 students wrapped up in May. Despite having the capacity to accommodate all students in senior schools, a significant number—particularly day and sub-county schools—remained unchosen.
Bitok noted that students’ decisions were largely influenced by the type of school, its location, and its perceived quality.
“Many of the unselected institutions are day schools situated in remote areas. The factors of preference and locality are crucial in these choices,” he explained.
During the Citizens of the Future Education Summit in Nairobi, Bitok shared that the Ministry has categorized senior schools into four distinct groups: national, extra-county, county, and day schools (sub-county). He emphasized that former national and extra-county schools tend to attract more students due to their superior infrastructure and academic standing.
He urged for a national dialogue on optimizing educational resources, particularly in light of the 5,000 schools that went unselected. “With over 5,000 schools not chosen by any learners, what steps can we take as a nation to better utilize our resources?” he questioned.
Despite the disparities in school selection, Bitok reassured that the government is dedicated to facilitating a seamless transition and equitable distribution of students in senior schools. Officials are currently conducting awareness campaigns and mapping schools to help students make informed choices.
Additionally, Bitok revealed that the Ministry of Education plans to engage in urgent discussions with stakeholders regarding the future of the under-enrolled schools. These consultations will also tackle the sustainability of these institutions as the government grapples with limited resources.
To enhance efficiency and quality, the ministry is contemplating merging or repurposing some schools, given the uneven distribution of teachers.
A report from the Zizi Afrique Foundation indicated that 65 percent of Grade 9 students are aware of the three senior school pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Performing Arts. The STEM pathway is particularly favored, with 68 percent of boys and 59 percent of girls expressing interest.
However, 35 percent of students remain unaware of these pathways, a gap the Ministry aims to bridge before the transition. The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) empowers students to choose pathways that resonate with their talents and interests.