In a promising start to the academic year, Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that over 70% of Form One students slated for 2024 have already reported to their respective secondary schools. This announcement came during the 2024 KCB Foundation scholarship flag-off ceremony held in Karen, Nairobi, where CS Machogu also outlined the government’s commitment to achieving a 100% transition from primary to secondary education.
Early Form One Reporting
Despite the official reporting date for Form One students being February 15, 2024, a significant majority have already commenced their educational journey. CS Machogu expressed satisfaction with the early response, emphasizing the government’s determination to ensure that all 1,400,329 KCPE candidates transition smoothly to secondary school.
Government’s Commitment to Free Day Secondary Education
CS Machogu reiterated the government’s commitment to providing Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) grants per learner. This comprehensive support encompasses allocations for tuition and operational expenses. Importantly, the CS affirmed that boarding fees in public secondary schools would remain unchanged in 2024. Schools will continue to receive funds based on accurate enrollment data submitted through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
Prudent Use of Funds Encouraged
While urging school principals and Boards of Management (BoMs) to use funds prudently, CS Machogu emphasized that strategic utilization would contribute to a conducive learning environment. This, in turn, aligns with the government’s overarching goal of achieving a 100% transition and ensuring the realization of every learner’s fundamental right to education.
Boosting 100% Transition with Scholarships
The KCB Foundation played a significant role in supporting education by awarding scholarships to 1,000 learners through a meticulous vetting and selection process. These scholarships, alongside additional initiatives by The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) and Equity Group Foundation, aim to enhance the 100% transition agenda. The government, through these foundations, has awarded 9,000 Elimu Scholarships nationwide to needy and vulnerable learners who met specified criteria, including candidates with special needs, disabilities, and those from marginalized groups.
The combination of early Form One reporting and scholarship programs underscores the collective effort to ensure accessible and quality education for all Kenyan students.