Grade 10 Admission Defiance Could Cost Principals Their Jobs

The Ministry of Education has warned school principals against defying President William Ruto’s directive to admit Grade 10 students without charging uniforms or tuition fees, threatening disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasised that schools should not be disrupted by a small number of unpaid fees, urging institutions to rely on government capitation funds released at the beginning of each term. He added that a school with 700 students, where only four have unpaid fees, should continue operating as usual.

This warning follows President Ruto’s statement last week that no child should be excluded from school due to financial constraints. During the launch of the Nyota programme in Meru, the President reiterated that the government has allocated sufficient resources to meet the educational needs of both staff and students, emphasising the right to education regardless of family circumstances.

The government’s stance aims to ensure broader access to secondary education, particularly as economic pressures continue to affect households. The Ministry’s firm position highlights the importance of aligning school policies with national priorities and preventing additional financial burdens on families. 

The threat of dismissal for non-compliant principals underscores the seriousness of the enforcement. This policy marks a broader push to make secondary education more accessible and equitable. However, concerns persist about whether the capitation funds provided are adequate to meet the operational needs of schools.