The transition to Senior School under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is facing its biggest crisis yet. A week into the new term, Ministry of Education data reveals that a staggering 800,000 learners—nearly 60% of the cohort—have yet to report to their new Grade 10 stations.

The confusion stems from a lack of clarity on domicile. While the government directed that Grade 10 be hosted in existing secondary schools, many institutions have turned students away, citing a lack of classrooms, laboratories, and teachers. Parents, caught in the middle, are keeping their children home, unsure of where to take them or how to pay the new fees structures.

"We Don't Have Space"

"I went to three schools, and all the Principals told me they are full," said Mary Wanjiku, a parent in Nairobi’s Eastlands. "My son is sitting in the house playing video games when he should be learning. Is this the CBC we were promised?"

Education CS Julius Ogamba has issued a directive ordering all Principals to admit students immediately, promising that capitation funds will follow. "No child should be turned away," he ordered. However, headteachers argue that directives do not build classrooms. "You cannot teach science under a tree," retorted the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA).

• The Infrastructure Gap: The government promised to build 15,000 laboratories for Grade 10. To date, less than 40% are complete. This infrastructure deficit is the bottleneck choking the 100% transition policy.
• A Looming Dropout Crisis: Experts warn that the longer these learners stay home, the higher the risk of them dropping out entirely. The "lost cohort" could become a social ticking time bomb if the stalemate is not resolved within the month.