'You're free to take your children to private schools,' CS Magoha tells parents

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has urged parents to be contented with the schools to which their children have been admitted, terming the selection process as very accurate.

Prof. Magoha said Form One placement aimed to strike a balance for the children and give them an equal platform for learning regardless of their status.

Speaking in Murang'a on Wednesday, the CS said he would ignore the ranting from the parents with the contempt it deserves, adding that he is proud of the process.

"Our aim is to ensure every child gets a slot in secondary school and the placement was done as per their performance," he said.

"If we would let the parents have their way, you can be sure this would be a messy process. But those who feel they are in a position to take their children to private schools are free to do so.”

Prof. Magoha said in order to ensure continuity in the education sector, the weakest links have to be taken care of, and this can only be done by ensuring all learners are treated equally.

"We are having a situation where the middle-class people want to self procreate and forget those below them but they also deserve equal opportunities," he remarked.

He lauded the government's move to have an affirmative fund for the children in the slums which has brought onboard 9,000 beneficiaries who shall be admitted to schools of their choice.

"Some of these children are very bright but they would not be able to pursue their dreams if they fail to continue with education due to poverty," said the CS.

On the construction of the CBC classrooms, Magoha said, nationally, the progress is at 92 per cent but expressed his displeasure over the delay by some counties which are lagging behind.

He singled out Murang'a and Nyeri counties where he said the work is 90 per cent done but said he doesn't understand the delay in completion.

"There is something going on in the Central region that I seem not to be aware of because there is a delay which I don't expect," he said.

"I am expecting the remaining work to have been completed in a week's time so that we can start off the second phase of the project.”

The CS the second batch of the classrooms shall be completed by July, pointing out that by now they have identified the contractors who are able to work with speed.