Education Ministry bans unauthorised student transfers in secondary schools
By Lucy Mumbi |
PS Kipsang directed that no schools declare vacancies or conduct transfer interviews without explicit Ministry approval.
The Ministry of Education has banned secondary schools from admitting students through transfers without prior authorisation, even as institutions prepare for increased capacity following the departure of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates and the suspension of Form One admissions for 2025.
In a circular dated November 29, 2024, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang outlined detailed measures aimed at addressing overcrowding in schools.
Keep reading
He directed that no schools declare vacancies or conduct transfer interviews without explicit Ministry approval.
“No school should declare vacancies or conduct interviews without approval from the Ministry,” reads the circular.
Schools that have already initiated these processes were ordered to cancel them.
Quality of learning
While past policies have expanded access to education, they have also resulted in overcrowding, affecting the quality of learning. The new directive seeks to regulate transfers through a clear framework.
For students seeking transfers, the Ministry has designated approval processes based on the category of the school.
National and extra-county school transfers will require approval from the Head of the Directorate of Secondary Education.
Regional Directors of Education must authorise transfers to county schools, while sub-county school transfers will need approval from County Directors of Education.
“All transfers must comply with the Basic Education Act (2013), Sections 32 and 34(4), and must be approved by Ministry of Education officials,” reads the circular.
Kipsang added that no fees would be charged for transfer interviews.
Addressing the issue of overcrowding, Kipsang noted that the departure of KCSE candidates creates an opportunity for schools to better manage space constraints.
“The available capacity will be used to address the chronic congestion that has plagued schools in recent years,” he said.
He reiterated and highlighted that the directive underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring equity and efficiency in secondary school admissions.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
