Grade 10 enrollment begins to soar in Kisii schools

While concerns persist over low transition rates to Grade 10, several secondary schools in Kisii County are now reporting a notable rise in enrolment, offering a glimmer of hope for the education sector.

By late Monday, some schools had recorded a sharp increase in admissions, a trend teachers attributed to intensified media sensitisation and targeted government interventions.

At Hema Mixed Boarding Secondary School, a C4 institution, Principal Meshack Orure said enrolment had significantly improved compared to the previous week.

“By this afternoon, we had enrolled more than 150 students, and more are still streaming in,” Orure told journalists late Monday.

The school had registered at least 268 students by close of business, against a projected capacity of 400.

Although the institution was not yet overwhelmed, Orure said the improvement was encouraging.

“We are seeing a steady rise. Parents are calling continuously to inquire about vacancies and admission procedures,” he said.

However, financial constraints remain a major challenge for many families.

“Some parents are citing lack of money as an alibi, which we understand. Dozens of learners have reported without full fees, with parents making commitments on when they will pay,” Orure added.

Earlier on Monday, at least two chiefs visited the school to receive a briefing on the enrolment status as part of a government directive to comb nearby villages for learners yet to report to school.

“We welcome all the efforts being made to ensure that children still stuck at home finally report for admission,” Orure said.

According to government ,at least 800,000 students nationwide were yet to report to their respective schools by last Thursday, sparking widespread concern.

At Amabuko Mixed Secondary School, also a C4 institution, Principal Samuel Mweruti said enrolment had surged past 250 students, against a planned intake of 300.

“It appears some of these learners were aiming to join other schools but found no vacancies forcing them back here,” Mweruti told the press.

He also noted that financial hardship remains the primary obstacle for most late arrivals.

“Despite the challenges, we have been forced to admit them anyway because sending them back home is not an option,” he said, welcoming government interventions aimed at compelling learners to join school.

Meanwhile, at Riabigutu Secondary School, the administration confirmed that Grade 10 enrolment was on an upward trajectory.

“We were expecting modest numbers due to the prevailing economic hardships, but the response from parents has been encouraging,” said the school’s principal.

A spot check at Riabigutu PAG Secondary School in Masaba South and Nyamagesa DEB Secondary School revealed a similar surge in admissions.

At Nyamagesa DEB, students were reportedly trickling in from as far as Homa Bay County.

“Our reputation and performance seem to be attracting learners beyond the county,” an administrator at Nyamagesa said.

Overall, the surge in Grade 10 enrolment in parts of Kisii County offers cautious optimism that, despite ongoing economic and logistical hurdles, the transition to senior secondary education is gradually gaining traction.