Relief as Ruto Orders Senior Schools to Admit All Grade 10 Learners Without Fees or Uniforms

There was relief for parents and learners after President William Ruto directed all senior school principals to admit every Grade 10 student who has been placed, regardless of school fees or uniform requirements.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said in a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that senior school principals must immediately admit all learners assigned to their institutions.

“All learners shall be admitted to their respective senior schools without any condition as to the payment of school fees,” the statement read. “Senior school principals shall optimize the use of the capitation funds that were disbursed to schools on January 2, 2026, while allowing parents and guardians flexibility in paying their household contributions.”

Ogamba said heads of senior and junior schools must urgently share details of learners who were not admitted by the January 21, 2026 deadline. He said the school heads should work closely with Sub-County Directors of Education and National Government Administration Officers to trace such learners and ensure they are admitted without delay.

The Education CS reminded schools that the law does not allow public institutions to deny learners admission. Under Section 32 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, no learner is required to pay admission fees to join a public senior school. Section 34(5) of the same law also states that no child should be denied admission to a public school.

Parents and guardians were also reminded that it is an offence, punishable by law under Section 31 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, to fail to present their children for admission to school.

“Any report of non-compliance with these directives should be made to the nearest Education Office or National Government Administration Office for appropriate action,” Ogamba said.

He added that Sub-County Directors of Education will collect data on learners admitted to senior school while still wearing junior school uniforms or without having paid fees. The information will be submitted to the Ministry of Education headquarters for monitoring and follow-up.