Gov't says universal school transition within reach

The milestone, announced by the Ministry of Interior in a Sunday statement, represents near-universal compliance with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) progression framework.

The report, compiled by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in collaboration with County Directors of Education, indicates that the country continues to make strong gains in learner access, retention and progression across education levels.

Government officials reiterated that full transition remains a national priority, noting that education is both a constitutional and human right.

Authorities have called for collective action to prevent avoidable school dropouts caused by financial hardship, delayed placement, or social vulnerabilities.

According to the report, 61 percent of eligible learners have already transitioned to senior secondary school, with enrollment still ongoing.

Reporting timelines have been extended following consultations with stakeholders, allowing families facing challenges additional time to complete placement processes.

Officials say the extension is part of broader, inclusive measures aimed at reaching learners who are yet to report, supported by coordinated community-level interventions across counties.

The government also lauded community-led initiatives that have played a critical role in improving transition rates, noting that targeted interventions are being intensified to ensure all eligible learners are supported across various education pathways.

Among the measures currently being implemented are door-to-door learner tracing and household mapping to re-engage those who have not reported, community sensitisation forums through barazas, religious institutions and other local platforms, as well as the provision of bursaries and scholarships for vulnerable learners.

These financial support programmes are being coordinated through county governments, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and NGAOs.

Despite the strong progress, the report highlights several challenges that continue to slow transition to Senior Secondary School. These include financial constraints, isolated cases of early pregnancy, learner absenteeism or reluctance, and delays linked to families seeking alternative school placements.

In response, both government agencies and parents are scaling up bursary mobilisation, counselling and learner re-entry support, strengthening community engagement through local leadership structures, and improving placement guidance to speed up enrolment.

Education officials emphasised that the progress achieved goes beyond policy compliance, reflecting a growing national culture that recognises education as a key driver of productivity, opportunity and long-term national development.