President Ruto’s zero-fee directive triggers a surge in student numbers, pushing schools to the brink of capacity.

The classrooms of Kitui County are filling up at record speed. In a remarkable turnaround for a region often plagued by drought and economic hardship, Kitui has recorded an impressive 80% enrolment rate for Grade 10 students. This surge comes in the wake of a stern directive from President William Ruto, who ordered school principals to admit all learners immediately, regardless of their ability to pay fees or purchase uniforms.

The directive, issued on January 22, was the catalyst the county needed. Prior to the President's intervention, transition rates hovered dangerously low, below 50%, as parents struggled with the financial demands of the new Senior School tier under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The fear of being turned away for lack of fees had kept thousands of students at home. Now, the gates are open, and the students are pouring in.

The Commissioner's Report

Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui confirmed the statistics in a press briefing from his office. "We are now well above 80 per cent in Grade 10 enrolment," Mbui stated, his tone reflecting both relief and determination. He attributed the success to a coordinated multi-agency approach involving the national administration, the Ministry of Education, and local chiefs.

"The President's order was clear: no child is to be sent home," Mbui explained. "We have activated our chiefs and assistant chiefs to go door-to-door. They are tracking down the remaining 20 per cent using the lists of last year's Grade 9 candidates. If a child is not in school, we want to know why, and we are ensuring they get there."

• The Uniform Waiver: One of the biggest hurdles removed was the requirement for new uniforms. Students are now attending Grade 10 in their Junior Secondary uniforms or even home clothes, ensuring that dignity does not become a barrier to education.
• The Mop-Up Exercise: The administration is currently verifying data to account for students who may have transferred to private schools or neighboring counties. "We must be certain to achieve 100 per cent transition," Mbui emphasized.

A Strain on Resources?

While the enrolment numbers are a cause for celebration, they also present a logistical challenge. Schools in Kitui, many of which are already under-resourced, are now stretching to accommodate the influx. Principals are grappling with crowded classrooms and the need for more learning materials. However, the mood among parents is one of overwhelming gratitude.

"I was ready to keep my son at home for another month while I looked for money," said Mary Mwikali, a parent in Mwingi North. "When I heard the President, I took him to school the next day. He is in class now, learning. That is all that matters." As Kitui races toward the 100% mark, the focus now shifts to sustainability—ensuring that these students not only enter the classroom but receive a quality education once they are there.