Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba has issued firm instructions to all secondary school principals to admit Grade 10 learners immediately, implementing a presidential directive that removes uniform and fee payment barriers to education access.
In a press statement released on January 22, 2026, CS Ogamba made it clear that no student transitioning to Grade 10 should be turned away from their assigned schools due to lack of senior school uniforms or inability to pay fees.
“Senior school principals shall forthwith admit all learners placed to their institutions,” Ogamba directed, adding that students without senior school uniforms would be permitted to attend classes in their junior school uniforms.
CS Ogamba emphasized that admission must be unconditional regarding fee payment.
He instructed principals to optimize the use of capitation funds disbursed to schools on January 2, 2026, while granting parents and guardians necessary flexibility in paying their household contributions.
Ogamba addressed the issue of students who missed the January 21 deadline, ordering both senior and junior school heads to immediately share details of unadmitted learners. These officials must work with Sub-County Directors of Education and National Government Administration Officers to trace such students for prompt admission.
The CS reinforced existing legal provisions, citing Section 32 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, which prohibits charging admission fees for public senior schools. He also referenced Section 34(5), which forbids denying any child admission to public schools.
In a stern warning to parents, Ogamba reminded them that failure to present children for admission constitutes an offense under Section 31 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, punishable by law.
CS Ogamba established a clear accountability mechanism, directing that any non-compliance reports be made to the nearest Education Office or National Government Administration Office for appropriate legal action.
Sub-County Directors of Education were tasked with collecting comprehensive data on all learners admitted under the special provisions and submitting it to the Ministry Headquarters.
