Schools, Businesses feel effect of lack of form one admissions in 2025

Secondary Schools countrywide and Business will feel the effect of lack of form one admissions in 2025. School Principals, teachers and Business People who sold uniforms, books and other items have been hit by new realities, experiencing a significant shift, as there are no Form One admissions for the first time in 39 years.

The adverse financial effects of this change is being felt across various sectors, particularly in education and businesses traditionally linked to the back-to-school season.

The schools will no longer receive the usual government funding allocated for Form One students, estimated at Sh22,244 per learner, as part of the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme.

Continue reading: Fees Structure Guidelines for Secondary schools 2025

Willy Kuria, the National Chairperson of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), said that secondary schools are already facing financial difficulties, with a Sh7,000 deficit per learner in 2024.

“We are grappling with debts, with some schools owing up to Sh70 million. The absence of Form One students further exacerbates our financial crisis, as expenses for utilities and staff salaries remain the same,” Kuria explained.

Also read: 2025 School Calendar, Term Dates & Public Holidays for Kenya

Kuria explained that mostly going to be affected will be the upcoming schools.

“Sub Counties and County schools with small population will really bare it most. In case of delayed capitation, school heads will suffer most,” he noted.

Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, last year warned principals of engaging in illegal transfers of learners to fill their school.

Kipsang underscored the importance of addressing congestion in classrooms and dormitories, ensuring that schools comply with Ministry guidelines before declaring any vacancies.

The lack of Form One students means that secondary schools will have an excess of empty classrooms and facilities.

Kuria noted, “Classrooms built for junior secondary that were meant to house Form Ones will remain unused, leaving us with a lot of idle space,” he stated.

“We are asking parents to help us bridge the gap, as resources are limited this year,” Kuria added.

School heads have been warned against increasing school fees. This comes even as most Parents complained over increased school levies. Read: School Principals defy Fees guidelines and ask parents for extra levies