The Ministry of Education has prohibited the admission of students through transfers without prior authorization.
This directive comes as schools gear up for increased capacity following the exit of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates and the suspension of Form One admissions for 2025.
In a circular dated November 29, 2024, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang emphasized the new regulations, insisting that no school can declare vacancies or conduct transfer interviews without explicit approval from the Ministry.
“No school should declare vacancies or conduct interviews without approval from the Ministry,” the circular stated, further ordering those who have begun these processes to cease immediately.
The Ministry aims to ensure a clear framework for transfers while tackling the impact of overcrowded classrooms on the quality of education.
Transfers for students will now be contingent on specific protocols, with approvals required from various educational authorities based on the school’s category.
National and extra-county schools’ transfers necessitate clearance from the Head of the Directorate of Secondary Education, while regional and sub-county schools have their own designated approvers.
Kipsang highlighted that the departure of KCSE candidates presents an opportunity to manage space more effectively. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring equity and efficiency in secondary admissions, echoing the vision for a better learning environment in schools across the nation. No fees will be charged for transfer interviews, making this initiative easier for students seeking relocation.
