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The CS appeared to take issue with former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, whose political activities in the Mt Kenya region have focused on building stronger regional cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the release of the 2026/2027 Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) placement results, Ogamba said 8,915 students who attained the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above in the 2025 KCSE examinations opted for non-degree courses in tertiary institutions instead of pursuing degree programmes.
Speaking during the 60th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Burieruri High School in Meru County on Sunday, CS Ogamba said the proposed team would bring together key players in the education sector to identify long-term solutions to what he described as a recurring challenge affecting learners.
President William Ruto has weighed in on the matter, urging parents to take a more active role in shaping the behaviour of their children and warning against placing all responsibility on schools and government agencies.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the commitment during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Thika School for the Visually Impaired and the commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day 2026.
Utumishi Girls Academy founder Edward Mbugua said the deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 students should prompt Kenya to re-examine boarding school planning, infrastructure and overcrowding, including whether learners should travel long distances for education.
The Ministry of Education says it will shorten the second term starting next academic year to balance the school calendar. Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba cited concerns over learner pressure and unrest in some senior secondary schools.
The Deputy President said the incidents, while concerning, have affected only a small fraction of Kenya’s schools.
Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, DCP Secretary General John Methu criticised government response mechanisms, arguing that repeated school disasters reflect systemic failure in emergency preparedness and oversight.
For the FY2024/2025 period, the ministry received about Sh628.6 billion, while the FY2025/2026 proposal has risen to about Sh656.6 billion, reflecting increased spending across key education programmes.
The disputed document, which has been widely shared online, was designed to resemble an official press statement from the Ministry of Education. It purported to address payment delays affecting supervisors, invigilators, security officers and other contracted professionals engaged in the administration and marking of national examinations.
The fee, which covers assessment charges, will be enforced starting May 2026 and is part of the government’s effort to expand access to practical skills education.