Despite the successful completion of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination in Baringo County, a significant number of candidates face challenges in transitioning to Form One. As of now, 3,882 out of 24,136 candidates who sat for the KCPE examination in the county have not joined Form One.
Quick Summary
- 3,882 candidates who took the KCPE examination in Baringo County have not transitioned to Form One.
- The majority of these candidates come from Tiaty East and Marigat Sub-counties.
- The County Director of Education, Masibo Kituyi, provided an update on the admission status, stating that 20,254 candidates have been admitted to various secondary schools within and outside the county.
- Out of the candidates yet to join Form One, 2,139 are boys, and 1,743 are girls, with Tiaty East and Marigat Sub-counties being the most affected regions in terms of transition.
- The education department is collaborating with the Interior Ministry to conduct a mop-up exercise and ensure that all children are placed in the nearest learning institutions.
- Kituyi emphasized the compulsory nature of basic education for all school-going children and called for collective efforts from stakeholders to achieve a 100 percent transition in the county.
- Approximately 160 vulnerable students in the county have benefited from scholarship programs offered by financial institutions, with Jomo Kenyatta Foundation sponsoring 144 students and Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation taking 16 students.
- Needy children from poor households have also received bursaries from entities such as the National Government Constituency Fund (NG-CDF) and well-wishers.
- Kituyi encouraged parents facing challenges, such as lack of fees and other necessary funds, to explore alternatives, including seeking admission at local institutions or day schools within the area.
The Challenge of Transition
Despite the successful completion of the KCPE examination, a significant number of candidates in Baringo County are facing challenges in transitioning to Form One. The issue is particularly pronounced in Tiaty East and Marigat Sub-counties.
Collaboration with Interior Ministry
To address the situation, the education department is working closely with the Interior Ministry to conduct a mop-up exercise. The goal is to ensure that every child is placed in the nearest learning institutions, and there is optimism that this initiative will yield positive results.
Call for Stakeholder Collaboration
Highlighting the compulsory nature of basic education, Kituyi emphasized the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to achieve a 100 percent transition in the county. The challenge extends beyond enrollment numbers, encompassing various factors that hinder students from joining Form One.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Despite the challenges, there have been positive initiatives, with vulnerable students benefiting from scholarship programs offered by financial institutions. The support from Jomo Kenyatta Foundation and Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation, among others, has provided opportunities for deserving students.
Encouragement for Alternative Solutions
Recognizing the financial constraints faced by some parents, Kituyi encouraged them to explore alternative solutions, such as seeking admission at local institutions or day schools within the area. This approach ensures that all learners have access to education despite financial challenges.
Final Thoughts
The challenge of transitioning KCPE candidates in Baringo County underscores the broader issues affecting education access and equity. The collaborative efforts of the education department, Interior Ministry, and various institutions in providing scholarships and bursaries are crucial in addressing these challenges. The call for collective action emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to pursue basic education, contributing to a more inclusive and accessible education system in Baringo County.