Basic Education Principal Secretary Professor Julius Bitok has revealed that the Ministry of Education has so far received 100,000 applications from students seeking to change schools, with 2,000 approved.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, December 23, at Naivasha Boys Boarding High School, the PS said any consideration to extend the deadline will depend on a review conducted after the seven-day window elapses.
“So I am confident the seven-day window is sufficient. After the seven days, we shall review as a ministry to determine whether it was adequate or if there will be a need for more time. However, I am confident that we have put in place measures and structures to support this process and ensure it is completed within seven days,” said PS Bitok.
MoE Receives 100,000 Applications
At the same time, the Basic Education PS expressed confidence in the seven-day window the Ministry of Education has given students who are dissatisfied with the senior schools they were placed in, saying the period is sufficient.
PS Bitok added that the Ministry of Education has assembled a nationwide team working tirelessly to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to revise their placement.
“Depending on the availability of vacancies and pathways, we shall give everybody an equal chance,” he said.
Also Read: KNEC Sends Stern Warning After Schools Send Own KJSEA Results Analysis
He further noted that strong support structures have been put in place to facilitate the process within the set timeline.
“Because we have 400 sub-county directors working on this, 47 county directors handling the process, eight regional directors, and another large team of more than 20 officers from the ministry headquarters. It is truly a collective responsibility. We also have about 20,000 heads of institutions in junior schools across the country who are supporting learners to ensure they can change schools,” said Bitok.
PS Bitok Calls on Parents to be Patient
The PS also emphasised that learners do not need to visit schools to request placement revisions, noting that they can reach out by phone or SMS, as heads of institutions have the credentials to access the system and make the revisions on their behalf.
PS Bitok called on all stakeholders, including parents, to remain patient with the Ministry as it continues to streamline the system to enable Grade 10 learners to change their senior schools.
He noted that this is the first time the process is being implemented under the new Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) and acknowledged that teething problems were expected.
Also Read: Relief for Parents as Govt Opens Window for KJSEA Candidates to Change Senior Schools
The senior school placement revision window comes amid mixed reactions following the release of the KJSEA results.
Some high-performing students have complained of being placed in academic pathways, such as Arts or Sports, that do not align with their career ambitions, including STEM.
Parents have also expressed frustration after high-scoring learners were placed in sub-county day schools instead of their preferred national or regional institutions.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
