Grade 10 learners still stranded despite Ruto's 'with or without school fee' order

Despite the green light allowing Grade 10 learners to report to school without uniforms or fees, some families remain at a crossroads.

Harsh economic times have left many without the means to afford transport to their respective schools, dampening their hopes of accessing education.

Some parents are also questioning the President’s directive, wondering whether the promise will hold in subsequent terms.

Citizen TV visited Kanuu village in Kwale, where Pauline Wanjiku leans into the day’s work, hoping to raise enough money for the bus fare to Karatina.

The single mother of one has only managed to buy a towel for her 15-year-old daughter, who secured a placement at Karatina Girls High School in Nyeri County.

And despite the President’s directive allowing all Grade 10 learners to report to school without uniforms or boarding fees, Pauline fears for her daughter’s sustenance, saying the overall cost of schooling remains far beyond her reach.

“Hesabu zote zinakuja elfu kumi na nane na mia tisa na kitu kando. Na hiyo ni vitu zingine anafaa atumie kama sanitary towel, toothbrush, rangi ya viatu na vitu kama hizo vya ndani,” said Wanjiku.

In Nyamira County, Jupiter Abuga clutches her calling letter. She is due to join Nyabururu Girls' High School in Kisii County. However, with her ailing mother away, the minor has been left stranded, uncertain of how she will make the journey to school.

“Sijui nitatoa wapi fare, sina fare. Sijui ata shule iko wapi. So naomba yeyote aingilie kati niende shule nitimize ndoto ya kukua neurosurgeon," Abuga stated.

Thousands of learners are yet to comply with the President’s directive. At Mutulani village in Makueni County, Mercy Ndundu and her son remain stuck.

Despite having transferred from Mwingi Boys to Kitonyoni Senior Secondary School, the family is conflicted, uncertain about the long-term implications of the president’s directive.

“Ni sawa, serikali imesema tupelekwe watoto hii first term bila chochote. Mimi nashangaa, sawa, wataenda, lakini second term itakuwa aje?” Ndndu noted.

As the clock ticks, learning is set to begin for the inaugural Grade 10 cohort. For those with humble backgrounds, however, hope slips from their fingers with every passing day. For now, they remain stranded, waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel.