Parents are now struggling to get alternative schools for Form 1 students after it occurred that most of them are not satisfied with the ministry's placement.
Those who spoke to the Star said their children missed out on top national schools which they had picked as the first option.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu said parents who are not satisfied should contact the relevant principals.
“Those who may not be satisfied with schools where the children have been placed can approach the desired schools for assistance,” he said.
For instance, a learner who sat KCPE in Nairobi has been placed in a school in Nyamira.
"I have never heard about the school but I have seen it's in Nyamira, I stay in Nairobi so I want her to study here," a parent told the Star.
Another one who sat KCPE in Trans Nzoia was placed in the same county.
"I wanted my daughter to change environment and move to a school outside this county, so I need to find one," the parent said.
The ministry clarified that the Form 1 placement selection criteria was based on merit, choice, equity and availability of space.
Even as parents look for 'better' options, several students who did not choose any school were still placed.
Machogu said 33,984 students from 2,673 primary schools did not select any secondary school that they would want to join.
"I direct county directors of education to establish the concerned schools with a view of instituting administrative actions against the headteachers and/or schools management for failing to adequately register learners for examinations," he said.
Some 270 students from slum areas were placed in national and extra county schools of their choice.
The ministry also placed 9,019 learners from primary schools located in refugee camps in public secondary schools.
