Over 100,000 KCPE candidates to miss form one slots

Education CS Fred Matiang'i

Nairobi: About 166,932 candidates of the 927,401 who sat for the 2015 KCPE examinations will miss out on form one positions in secondary schools.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said this on Thursday during the National Launch of Form One Selection exercise at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

“My ministry is alive to the fact that 18 per cent of the 2015 candidates may not be placed into secondary schools,” he said.

The Education CS also said that it’s ministry in conjuction with the county governments will develop alternative pathways, including youth polytechnics to avail more avenues for youth to further their education and training.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate the 2015 KCPE candidates for their performance. I know this may be an anxious moment for them but I wish to assure them that every child, irrespective of their academic performance, economic or social background is valued and the Kenyan people are proud of them and look forward to their well-rounded development,” said Matiang’i.

He further directed the Principal Secretary, State Department of Vocational and Technical Training, in liaison with the Council of Governors to oversee selection of candidates to Youth Polytechnics countrywide on February 4 and 5 at County level.

 Matiangi also noted an increase in enrolment in schools attributing the achievement to several initiatives including Constituency Development Fund, parents’ associations contributions, private sector participation and other philanthropists.