Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
According to the PS, some of the disturbances reported in schools can be avoided if administrators engage students through dialogue and pay closer attention to their concerns instead of relying solely on traditional management methods.
For Free Primary Education, the ministry requires Sh15.7 billion, but has been allocated Sh7 billion. With more than 6.3 million learners in public primary schools and a capitation rate of Sh2,330 per learner, the funding gap is already critical.
Bitok explained that the capitation funds are already disbursed in two main accounts based on enrolment data from the National Education Management Information System as of November 25, 2024.
According to Bitok secondary schools have been hit hardest, with a shortfall of Sh76,995,346,067. Junior secondary schools follow with Sh31,981,877,799, while primary schools face a deficit of Sh14,048,116,230. Secondary special needs education also recorded a gap of Sh67,117,182.
Bitok stressed that every incident must be examined carefully to avoid unfairly punishing learners who were not involved. He also pointed to the government’s efforts to improve teacher coverage as part of tackling the root causes of malpractice.
Last month, a surge of parents rushed to secure spots for their children in Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 (extra-county) schools after the Ministry enabled principals to directly register learners through the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok told the National Assembly’s Education Committee on Wednesday that Sh147 million has been earmarked in the proposed 2026/27 budget to purchase a machine for printing optical mark recognition forms locally. He said this investment is a key step in modernizing the country’s exam administration system.
The PS confirmed his readiness for the rescheduled meeting and expressed optimism about continued collaboration to enhance learning outcomes across the country.
The scholarships, which will run for three years, target high-performing learners from disadvantaged households. Since 2020, the Elimu programme has helped 62,000 students, with special focus on vulnerable groups such as refugees, host communities, children from informal settlements, and families with limited income.
Education PS Julius Bitok said the ministry is working closely with the National Treasury to clear dues for examiners, coordinators, and other staff, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all examination stakeholders.
Each learner is set to receive Sh4,193.07, while every school will be granted a total of Sh92,490.33 to cover operational and tuition-related costs, according to a circular sent to county education directors.
Alongside the employment issue, debates over Junior School governance continue. Junior School teachers want full autonomy, but the government supports a Comprehensive School model that places both primary and junior sections under one administration.
The circular also details the schedule for major national examinations. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment and Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment will run for five days starting October 26, while the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment will also begin on the same date and last seven days. The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations are scheduled from November 2 to November 20, covering three weeks.
The placement process relies on an automated system designed to ensure fairness, merit, and equity by matching students’ performance to available slots. Corrections such as gender errors were also handled during the review period.
A total of 1,130,459 learners sat the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), including 578,630 boys, representing 51.19 per cent, and 551,829 girls, making up 48.81 per cent. Learners who recorded an “Approaching Expectation” outcome are scheduled to report to senior school in Grade 10 on January 12, 2026, where they will pursue studies in STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports
PS Bitok, who later visited the affected communities in Marakwet East, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a painful moment for the education sector.