President William Ruto has directed that all learners across the country must report to school starting Friday, regardless of financial challenges or lack of school uniforms, affirming the government’s commitment to universal access to education.
The President issued the directive while speaking in Meru County during the disbursement of funds under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme. He instructed all provincial administration officers, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, to ensure the order is fully implemented.
Government Guarantees Funding for First Term
President Ruto emphasized that the government has already released Ksh44 billion in capitation funds to support learning in public schools during the first term, insisting that no child should be sent home over school fees.
“There is sufficient money for our children to be taught in the first term,” President Ruto said. “Every child, with or without uniform and school fees, should report to school tomorrow morning.”
The Head of State further warned school administrators against denying learners access to education, stating that government funding was meant to cushion parents during difficult economic times.
Chiefs Ordered to Enforce Compliance
In a firm directive, President Ruto called on members of the provincial administration to actively ensure that learners return to school without delay.
“I want all chiefs, assistant chiefs, and members of the provincial administration to ensure every child reports to school tomorrow morning because we have provided the money to teach our children,” he said.
The directive places responsibility on local administrators to work with school heads and parents to eliminate barriers preventing learners from resuming classes.
Focus on CBC Transition to Junior Secondary
President Ruto also addressed concerns surrounding the transition from primary school to junior secondary school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), noting that financial difficulties should not disrupt the process.
He reiterated that his administration remains committed to ensuring a smooth and inclusive transition for all learners moving into junior secondary school, describing education as a cornerstone of national development.
“The transition under CBC must not be crippled by financial hitches. Every child must be given a fair opportunity to continue learning,” he said.
Low Reporting Raises Concern
The President’s directive comes amid worrying statistics released by the Ministry of Education, showing low reporting rates among learners transitioning to junior secondary school.
As of Wednesday, January 22, the ministry reported that over 930,000 learners who sat the 2025 Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) exams had reported to school, out of 1.13 million registered candidates.
The gap has raised concerns about access, affordability, and awareness among parents and guardians.
Ministry Deploys Tracking Teams
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government has deployed special teams across the country to trace learners who have not yet reported to school.
The teams are working closely with local administrators, parents, and school officials to identify challenges preventing learners from resuming classes and to ensure compliance with the President’s directive.
“We are committed to ensuring that no learner is left behind,” Ogamba said, noting that education officers are addressing issues ranging from school placement to financial hardship.
Education as a National Priority
The directive underscores the government’s broader push to safeguard access to education amid rising living costs that have strained many households.
President Ruto reaffirmed that education remains a top national priority, adding that government interventions are designed to protect vulnerable families and keep children in school.
With the directive now in effect, attention turns to school administrators and local leaders to ensure that learning resumes smoothly and inclusively across the country.