Schools Handed Tough Student Transfer Rules

Kericho County Director of Education (CDE) Julius A. Ngoneshi sent a notice to principals following the closure of Litein Boys’ High School for the second time on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

In the notice dated September 30, Ngoneshi warned principals against unauthorized transfers and student admissions.

He explained that the Ministry of Education developed and issued guidelines on student transfer and admission.

Ngoneshi stated that no school shall admit a student without a letter of transfer signed by the Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE), CDE, and the Director of Secondary Education & Special Programmes, as appropriate.

He clarified that the SCDE is the authorized officer for student transfers within the sub-county.

For transfers from one county to another, the authorized officer is the CDE, based on a recommendation from the CDE.

Similarly, for transfers between regions, the authorized officer is the CDE, with a recommendation from the Regional Director of Education (RDE).

Transfers between national schools shall be authorized by the Director of Secondary Education and Special Programmes.

Also Read: Litein Girls High School Shut Down After Students Planned Night Strike

Ngoneshi noted that officers issue transfer letters to students, which outline the student’s behavior and conduct.

He warned that principals who fail to accurately disclose a student’s conduct and instead conceal it to facilitate a transfer will be held responsible for that student’s future behavior.

They give release letters to students seeking transfer to other schools stating very clearly the conduct of the students concerned. A Principal who covers up a student’s conduct shall be held responsible for any subsequent problems.

Schools With Vacancies

Furthermore, Ngoneshi stated that schools with available vacancies to admit more students must issue a transfer letter, signed by the principal, to the student’s previous school to initiate the transfer process.

He emphasized that all transfer requests for the upcoming year must be received by October 30 of the previous year.

Ngoneshi emphasized that no transfers should occur during the academic year, except in special circumstances.

Also Read: CS Ogamba Details Govt’s Plan to Tackle Ghost Schools

Admitting Students After Strikes

However, the Ministry has observed that some principals are disregarding guidelines and admitting students who have transferred after participating in strikes.

He warned the school heads, stating that some of these students have serious disciplinary issues, which have not been addressed by their respective schools.

It has however, been noted that some Principals are flouting the above guidelines and admitting students who are changing schools after being involved in strikes. Some of these students have serious discipline issues that have not been handled by their respective Boards of Management. You are therefore directed to adhere to the above guidelines.

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