DP Kindiki Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to 100% Grade 10 Transition and Universal Access to Education

 Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the government’s firm commitment to achieving 100 per cent school enrolment and full transition of all Grade 10 learners to senior secondary school, insisting that no child should be denied education due to lack of school fees or uniforms.

The DP said access to basic education is a constitutional right and a critical pillar for Kenya’s social, economic, and human capital development. He emphasized that every child must be in school and remain in class without interruption, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving church service at Maemba Village in Sigowet Soin Constituency, Kericho County, Prof. Kindiki echoed President Dr. William Ruto’s directive on universal education, calling on the Ministry of Education, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), parents, and guardians to take collective responsibility in ensuring all eligible learners are enrolled and retained in school.

He warned school principals against sending learners away over unpaid fees or lack of uniforms, stressing that the government will intervene to address any challenges faced by students.

“Nobody should be turned away from school under any circumstance. Every child must go to school, and the government will resolve all obstacles to ensure learners remain in class,” Prof. Kindiki said.

The Deputy President disclosed that NGAOs, working closely with education officers, have been placed under strict instructions to ensure 100 per cent transition of all Grade 10 learners to senior secondary schools. He revealed that 92 per cent of Grade 10 learners have already been admitted, with the remaining eight per cent expected to report starting Monday.

Prof. Kindiki further highlighted massive government investments in education infrastructure to support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. These include the construction of 23,000 classrooms and 1,600 laboratories nationwide to provide safe, well-equipped, and conducive learning environments.

He added that the recruitment and deployment of 100,000 teachers has significantly addressed staffing shortages, improved teacher–learner ratios, and enhanced the quality of instruction in public schools across the country.

Beyond education, the DP urged Kenyans to ignore individuals seeking to undermine the implementation of Universal Health Coverage through Taifa Care, noting that more than 29 million Kenyans have already registered. He said the government remains focused on ensuring every citizen is enrolled to access quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services.

The thanksgiving service brought together congregants from 14 churches and was attended by several leaders from the South Rift Region, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, Women Representatives Beatrice Kemei (Kericho) and Linet Chepkorir (Bomet), and Members of Parliament Nelson Koech (Belgut), Justice Kemei (Sigowet Soin), Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East), and Hillary Kosgei (Kipkelion), among others.