President William Ruto has told schools across Kenya to let all Grade 10 students start classes right away, even if they have not paid fees or bought new uniforms. Students can show up in their old junior school clothes. This move aims to make sure no child misses the new term because of money problems.
Ruto gave the directive during a visit in Meru. He said every learner who sat the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment should report by the next day. No one should get turned away over costs.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba followed up fast. He sent orders to principals telling them to admit everyone without conditions on fees or school uniforms.
Ogamba pointed to funds already sent out. The government released Sh44.245 billion in capitation money on January 2, 2026. Schools can use this to cover basics while parents sort payments later.
He said senior schools should make the most of those funds now. Textbooks for Grade 10 also started shipping out around the same time.
This comes as Kenya pushes for full transition under the new curriculum. Grade 10 marks the start of senior school. Over a million students moved up this year. Reports showed some stayed home because families could not afford fees or uniforms quickly enough. The order tackles that head-on.
Parents in different areas welcomed the news. Many struggle with school costs after holidays. One mother in Nairobi said it lifts a big worry. She can send her child without rushing for a new uniform. Schools in rural spots like Meru and Kisii got the message and started taking in students.
Not everyone sees it as a full answer. Some say it helps short-term but does not fix deeper issues. Capitation has stayed the same for years while prices rise. Uniforms, books, and other needs still add up. Teachers’ unions have complained about delayed funds in the past.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro brought up a longer plan. He wants a national kitty for free-day secondary education. His idea pulls Sh10 billion from constituency funds, another Sh10 billion from counties, and more from national sources. That could hit Sh30 billion to cover costs fully. Nyoro says it worked in his area and can spread countrywide starting next term.
Nyoro spoke at public events pushing this. He argues education should stay free without hidden fees hitting parents. Day schools take most students, so focusing there makes sense. The proposal got talk online and in Parliament circles.
The government keeps saying education is free up to secondary. But in practice, schools ask for various charges. This Grade 10 step shows effort to close gaps during the shift to new levels.
Principals now handle the rush. Some schools opened gates wider this week. Chiefs got told to check no child stays out. The term runs normally, with focus on settling the new seniors.
Longer talks on funding continue. Nyoro’s kitty idea might gain ground if costs keep biting. For now, classrooms fill up across the country. This order fits Ruto’s push on access.
He often says no child should miss school over money. Schools follow, and the term moves ahead. Parents still watch fees later. But the start feels easier for many. Grade 10 marks a big step in the curriculum change. Getting everyone in matters.
