The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The failure to transition to secondary school for over 130,000 candidates in the 2023 KCPE exams has raised concerns about their educational prospects.
Mercy Muoko, like many others, should have commenced her secondary education this month. However, due to financial constraints, she faces the prospect of missing out on the first term at Thitani Girls Secondary School.
Her situation is mirrored by Trevor in Nyamira, who scored 371 marks but remains unable to join Cardinal Otunga Mosocho School due to financial limitations. Similarly, John Makori, with a score of 322 marks, awaits assistance to transition to Nyamira Boys.
These cases highlight the plight of numerous children unable to access secondary education this year.
According to Ministry of Education data, as of January 26th, a staggering 131,854 children nationwide have not commenced secondary school. Of the 1.39 million children placed in secondary schools, only 91% have reported, leaving the remainder unaccounted for.
The challenge of low transition rates is particularly notable in counties like Kajiado, Kilifi, Narok, and Isiolo, which recorded less than 80% transition rates. Conversely, Laikipia, Nyeri, and Samburu counties boasted nearly full enrollment.
Although the government aims for a 100% transition rate, this target has fallen short, achieving only 91% this year. Similarly, technical training institutes saw a 91% enrollment rate, with 3,128 boys and 2,595 girls opting for vocational training.
As the second month of the year approaches and the first term of the school calendar progresses, students like Mercy, Trevor, and John hold onto hope for timely enrollment to avoid falling behind in their educational journey.
