Government to Begin Door-to-Door Campaign to Ensure Full School Transition

The government will launch a nationwide door-to-door exercise to trace learners who have not enrolled in Junior Secondary School or Senior Secondary School.

The initiative was announced by the Ministry of Interior in a statement issued on Sunday, 18 January. Officials said the campaign aims to ensure that all eligible learners report to school as the Competency Based Curriculum continues to roll out. Government officers will work with parents and guardians to confirm enrolment before the revised admission deadlines.

The ministry said the inspections will focus on re-engaging learners at risk of dropping out. Authorities will identify children who have not transitioned and support families to complete the admission process at their assigned schools. Despite strong overall progress, the government acknowledged several challenges affecting school transition. These include financial difficulties, early pregnancies, absenteeism, learner reluctance, and delays in school placement. 

To address these issues, bursary and scholarship programmes are being expanded through county governments, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), and National Government Administration Officers. The ministry also said community outreach will be stepped up to encourage school attendance. 

Engagement will take place through barazas, religious institutions, and local leadership structures. In addition, counselling services and re-entry programmes are being strengthened to support learners facing social or personal difficulties.

Official data shows that 61 percent of eligible learners have so far joined Senior Secondary School, with enrolment continuing. At Junior Secondary level, the transition rate stands at 97 percent, following the enrolment of most Grade 6 learners.

The admission deadline for Grade 10, originally set for 16 January, has been extended to 21 January. The Ministry of Education said the extension is intended to support a full transition of learners into Senior Secondary School.

Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said schools across the country have adequate capacity to absorb the 1.1 million learners expected to join Grade 10. Speaking on 15 January, he said government officers are working on the ground to support parents and learners and ensure a smooth transition.