Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok is facing intense public and legislative backlash over alleged “cluelessness” regarding the Grade 10 transition.
Critics argue that while the Ministry of Education has issued directives prohibiting the exclusion of students due to unpaid fees or lack of uniform, these orders are out of touch with the reality of underfunded schools.
PS Bitok and Education CS Julius Ogamba have ordered schools to admit all learners unconditionally, suggesting they use existing Junior Secondary School (JSS) uniforms if necessary.
PS Bitok maintains that the government has already disbursed capitation funds to schools. However, lawmakers like Kimani Ichung’wah and Gathoni Wamuchomba have labeled him “clueless,” alleging that many schools are actually struggling with severe funding gaps and unverified data.
President Ruto and Ministry officials have specifically targeted inflated uniform prices—some as high as KSh 38,000—calling them a form of corruption.
MPs at a recent retreat in Naivasha accused the Ministry of “cosmetic reforms” and failing to curb illegal levies despite official warnings.
The Ministry of Education has promised to gazette a new, consolidated school fees framework for senior schools this Friday, January 30, 2026, to clear up the prevailing confusion.
By Anthony Solly
