Matiang'i directs chiefs to compile lists of KCPE candidates

Chiefs and their assistants have been directed to compile lists of all Kenya Certificate of Primary Education candidates before results are announced by the Ministry of Education to facilitate 100 percent transition to Form One next year.

According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, the lists will help facilitate placement and smooth transition of the candidates to Form One.

TRANSITION

Speaking at Mtwapa Elite Academy in Kilifi, Dr Matiang'i asked the administrators to work with head teachers to compile the lists.

"This will allow 100 per cent transition of the candidates. We are going to hold the chiefs and their assistants responsible if those children will not be located and given Form One slots. We have to ensure all the children get secondary education," said Dr Matiang'i.

The CS said county commissioners and their assistants will be in charge of coordinating the process, which is aimed at dealing with the problem of low enrolment of Form One students.

He said the administrators will be required to collect the names and numbers of the candidates in their jurisdictions.

"It will thus be easier to locate these children. We want to deal with this problem early so that when results are announced, we will be able to trace them," said Dr Matiang'i.

"We are going to push the chiefs very hard on this because our job is to support the Ministry of education and the government policies," he added.

COAST

Meetings between county commissioners, their deputies, chiefs, their assistants, teachers and parents are set to begin immediately after the exams end on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Education CS Amina Mohamed said all the KCPE candidates will get a chance to join secondary school. The move is part of the government’s policy to guarantee the 100 percent transition from primary to secondary schools, a goal that has not been fully achieved.

This year, the admission was marred by low turnout especially at the Coast region, where parents cited lack of school fees and poverty.

Others blamed school heads for withholding admission letters and demanding bribes before admitting students. This sparked outcry from local leaders, who questioned the government’s promise of free education.

Dr Matiang'i, who was the then Education CS, was forced to hold meetings with leaders and parents to have the matter resolved.

The issue also saw the government extending the admission time of Form Ones.

Some head teachers of day public secondary schools have also been accused of demanding school fees from parents despite the government’s waiver.