70% of Nyanza learners join grade 10 as reporting continues

At least 129,443 learners have been admitted to Grade 10 in Nyanza region, representing about 70 per cent of the expected intake, following the government’s extension of the reporting deadline to Wednesday.

 The move gives schools more time to enroll students who are yet to report.

 Nyanza Regional Director of Education  Lawrence Karintumi said the extension is expected to significantly boost enrolment in a region projected to admit about 198,000 learners under the new senior school structure.

 Karintumi said it was still too early to establish the exact number of learners who have not reported, citing ongoing transfers between schools.

 “At the moment, I cannot provide precise numbers because learners are still moving between schools. We will have accurate data once the system stabilises after the extension,” he told the media in his office.

 He said the extension will accommodate parents and learners who did not meet the initial deadline, largely due to financial constraints.

 To enhance enrolment, Karintumi said his office is working with local chiefs and assistant chiefs to trace learners at home and encourage parents to use the additional reporting days.

 “We are optimistic that this extension will allow those still at home to report. Recording 70 per cent enrolment as of last Friday is encouraging, but we expect the numbers to rise,” he said.

 The official noted that some parents missed the original deadline due to difficulties in raising school fees and meeting other reporting requirements.

 He appealed to stakeholders, including foundations, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and other well-wishers, to support needy families so that all learners can report by Wednesday.

 The Grade 10 intake marks a critical phase in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with senior school expected to offer pathways aligned to learners’ talents, interests and career goals.

 Karintumi said full transition is vital not only for compliance with government policy but also to curb school dropouts, which disproportionately affect learners from vulnerable households.

 The Ministry of Education has reiterated that no learner should be left behind due to inability to pay fees, urging school heads to work closely with education officers and local administrators to ensure all eligible learners take up their Grade 10 places.