Economic strain hits as senior school intakes begin nationwide

Students and parents during Grade 10 admission at Kisii School, on January 12, 2026. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The first cohort of Grade 10 learners reported to senior secondary schools on Monday, amid complaints from parents and teachers over tough economic times and delays in the disbursement of capitation.

Parents also raised concerns about the high cost of school items, such as uniforms, fees, and extra levies imposed by schools, including remedial charges.

In Rift Valley, Grade 10 learners reported under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, with many parents struggling to meet admission costs amid economic hardships.

At Kapsabet Boys High School in Nandi County, hundreds of parents thronged the school from as early as 6am. Some travelled from distant regions and arrived a day earlier, spending the night within the school compound as they waited for admissions to begin.

The admission process involved registration, verification of requirements, and payment of school fees.

Kapsabet Boys Chief Principal Kipchumba Maiyo said the school was prepared to admit more than 600 Grade 10 learners.

“By 11am, we had admitted about 400 students, and we expect to complete the process by close of business. We have on-site banking services, stationery, and uniform shops, which have significantly sped up the admission process compared to previous years,” said Maiyo.

Financial challenges

Despite the smooth process, some parents encountered financial challenges and had to negotiate with school management or seek more time to pay fees.

Esther Mutai, a parent, said she ran short of money after purchasing uniforms and books for her son.

Parents and students during Grade 10 admission at the Nairobi School on January 12, 2026 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

“I had to wait for assistance from the school management and promise to clear the balance within a week. The school was lenient with parents facing challenges. What mattered most was that students had their personal effects and books,” she said.

At Kapsabet Girls High School, admission activities were relatively slower, as dozens of parents arrived later in the day. Principal Mary Kiprop said the school expects to admit 460 Grade 10 learners already placed in its system.

“We are still receiving additional placements, but by the end of the week all students will have been admitted. We have not faced major challenges, and I am encouraged that most parents have paid school fees,” said Kiprop.

National reporting

In Trans-Nzoia County, some parents reported without the required fees and items. As early as 5am, parents and students streamed into various schools to secure admission.

At St Joseph’s Boys High School in Kitale, several parents arrived without fees and essential items, but the school management authorised their admission. Deputy Principal David Shikanda said about 350 students had reported by yesterday morning.

“Some parents came without fees, but the Chief Principal, Cosmas Nabungolo, directed that needy students be admitted as parents pledged to clear fees later,” he said. The school expects to admit at least 800 students.

A parent, George Mulwa, admitted that financial constraints were a major challenge. “The economy is bad, and I’m unable to raise all the money required for my son, but I requested for him to be admitted while I organise the fees,” he said. At St Joseph’s Girls High School, Chief Principal Rosebella Orwaru said several parents requested delayed reporting due to financial difficulties.

At St Francis of Assisi, Principal Hellen Wanyonyi said the institution was targeting over 350 admissions and was ready to implement the CBE curriculum. “CBE is a great system because it promotes skills, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. This is the way forward for education, and we are fully prepared to make it a success,” she said.

“Some parents asked for more time to pay fees and buy the required items, while others made late admission requests,” she added.

Student and a parent during Grade 10 admission at Kisii School, on January 12, 2026. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

In Coast, many parents and learners turned up in various schools for the admission exercise, with big crowds at Shimo La Tewa High School, Mama Ngina Girls, Kwale Boys High, and Kenyatta High School Mwatate.

At Sheikh Khalifa Secondary in Mombasa County, parents said it would be wise for most items, including books and laboratory equipment, to be provided by the government at subsidised costs.

Principal Rashid Rajab said prior discussions with parents ensured a smooth admission process without turning any student away.

In Nakuru High School, learners accompanied by guardians began reporting at 6 am. Deputy Principal Mwangi Karogo said they expected 633 learners, with the admission process ending on Friday. “We started the exercise early to accommodate all admitted learners. We offer the three pathways,” he added.

A parent, Keziah Waleo, said she arrived from Nairobi at around 8:30 am for her son’s admission.

Low turnout

In Nyamira and Kisii counties, turnout was initially low. At Kisii School, only about 260 of the expected 820 learners reported yesterday. Kereri Girls had relatively higher numbers, while Nyambaria National School received learners from as far as Mombasa and Nairobi, according to Principal Charles Onyari. “We had parents and learners travelling long distances to ensure enrolment. The turnout is very good, and we expect more throughout the week,” he said.

Sironga National School, Nyansiongo Boys, St Paul’s Gekano Boys, and Nyaikuro Secondary also reported good numbers.

In Homa Bay County, parents complained about additional school requirements not indicated in government placement letters. At Homa Bay High School, parent Wilfred Osawa said extra requirements caused additional expenditure.

Lucy Omollo appealed to the government to consider placing Grade 10 learners in schools closer to their homes to reduce travel costs and logistical challenges.

Reports by Edward Kosut, Yvonne Chepkwony, Osinde Obare, Nikko Tanui, Martin Ndiema, Joackim Bwana, Stanley Ongwae and James Omoro