Shocker as grade 9 learners snub over 5,000 Senior Schools in selection

More than 5,000 out of 9,750 senior schools were not chosen by students entering Grade 10 in 2026, raising concerns about school preferences and location.

In a statement on Thursday, July 17, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that the placement of 1.2 million Grade 9 students was completed in May.

Although there is enough capacity to accommodate all students in senior schools, many, particularly sub-county and day schools, were not selected.

Bitok explained that students’ choices were influenced by the type of school, its location, and its perceived quality.

**Influence of Preference and Location**

“Most of the schools that did not receive any students are day schools and those situated in remote areas. Preference and location are significant factors,” Bitok stated.

During the Citizens of the Future Education Summit in Nairobi, he mentioned that the Ministry has categorized senior schools into four groups: national schools, extra-county schools, county schools, and day schools (Sub-County).

He noted that former national and extra-county schools tend to be favored due to their superior infrastructure and academic reputation.

Bitok emphasized the need for a national discussion on how to optimize educational resources, especially in light of the 5,000 schools that were not selected.

“If over 5,000 schools have not been chosen by any student, what can we do as a country to optimize resources?” he questioned.

The PS reassured that despite the selection imbalance, the government is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and fair distribution of students in senior schools.

Officials indicated that awareness campaigns and school mapping efforts are underway to help students make informed choices.

Bitok also announced that the Ministry of Education will engage in urgent discussions with stakeholders to determine the future of the under-enrolled schools.

Additionally, these consultations will address the sustainability of these institutions as the government faces resource constraints.

The ministry is considering merging or repurposing some schools to enhance efficiency and quality due to uneven teacher distribution.

A report from the Zizi Afrique Foundation revealed that 65 percent of Grade 9 students understand the three senior school pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Performing Arts.

Most students prefer the STEM pathway, with 68 percent of boys and 59 percent of girls expressing interest.

However, 35 percent of students are still unaware of these pathways, a gap the Ministry aims to close before the transition.

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) allows students to choose pathways that align with their talents and interests.