Schools struggle as Ruto fee-free directive strains education sector

Parent captured at Kakamega main market after buying a school box for his child on December 31,2025. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

President William Ruto and education officials may be painting a rosy picture of the Grade 10 transition, but on the ground, many stakeholders say the process is far from seamless.

Across the country, dozens of learners have remained home, unable to join senior secondary schools due to tough economic realities. While some students heeded official calls and reported to their respective schools, The Standard has established that a huge number are yet to enrol.