The Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) has not received any formal complaints, reports or documented allegations from school heads, parents or guardians relating to corruption or irregularities in the placement of Grade 10 learners into senior school.

In a letter addressed to Basic Education Principal Secretary Amb. (Prof.) Julius Bitok, KECSHA Chairperson Fuad Ali Abdalla said that the Association fully supports the Ministry of Education’s commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity in the implementation of education reforms, including students’ placement under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.

PS Bitok had on January 20, 2026 written to KECSHA, requesting comprehensive reports of alleged corruption in the placement of Grade 10 students in senior schools.

But while there were no formal complaints on their part, KECSHA says that there are ongoing investigations into the same. Nevertheless, KECSHA has shared a raft of challenges it has observed thus far.

“In this regard, and without prejudice to the ongoing investigations, we consider it important to share general observations on challenges observed, and suggestions for strengthening the process going forward,” KECSHA says.

Key challenges observed

1. Limited public understanding among parents and guardians of the placement criteria, pathways, and school categories under CBE, leading to anxiety and suspicion around outcomes.
2. High demand for a limited number of schools offering specific pathways, creating pressure on school heads and education officers.
3. Perceived misalignment between learner interests, parental expectations, and available pathway options in certain regions.
4. Inadequate real-time communication channels for addressing placement-related concerns as they arise.

 KECSHA, formerly known as the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), has also suggested measures to strengthen Grade 10 learners placement process going forward.

Suggested measures

1. Enhanced public sensitisation on Grade 10 placement criteria, pathways, and decision-making processes well in advance of placement.
2. Clear, transparent, and standardised communication of placement outcomes and appeals mechanisms to parents and guardians.
3. Strengthening digital systems and audit trails to reinforce transparency and minimise human discretion.
4. Structured involvement of school heads in guidance and career advisory processes at Junior School level to better align learner interests, abilities, and pathways.
5. Establishment of clear reporting and redress mechanisms to allow concerns to be formally lodged, tracked, and resolved.

“KECSHA remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Education and all relevant agencies to safeguard the credibility of the placement process and to ensure that learner transition into Senior School is fair, transparent, and learner-centred,” KECSHA concludes.