CS Julius Ogamba Threatens to Sack Principals Over Grade 10 Admission

The Education Ministry has taken a hard stance on Grade 10 admission, with Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba warning school principals that failure to admit all learners could cost them their jobs.

Speaking in Kisii on Sunday, January 26, Ogamba said principals must ensure that every Grade 10 student is settled in class by Friday, January 30, whether or not they have school fees or uniforms. So far, 92 percent of learners have joined their schools, and the government is pushing to track the remaining 8 percent.

Ogamba made it clear that principals who deny admission due to unpaid fees or lack of uniforms will face serious consequences.

“Any teacher who declines to admit a student just because the student does not have school fees or a uniform should also be ready to go back to school,” he said, sending shockwaves through school leadership nationwide.

The government’s firm stance ensures every student secures Grade 10 Admission, sending a strong message: no learner will be denied education due to fees, uniforms, or administrative negligence. [Photo//Courtesy]

Government Pushes Full Grade 10 Admission Across Kenya

The Grade 10 Admission campaign comes after reports that some students have been left out due to financial constraints. Earlier figures showed that only 75 percent of learners had transitioned to senior secondary schools, prompting urgent mop-up operations. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that government officials have been conducting door-to-door checks to trace learners who have not yet joined their junior or senior secondary schools.

Scholarships and bursaries will now be channelled through county governments to support vulnerable students. Officials say this move will reduce cases of financial exclusion and ensure every learner gets a chance to continue their education. Community engagement, counseling, and faster placement guidance are also part of the government’s strategy to guarantee full Grade 10 admission.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced Ogamba’s warning during a public event in Kericho. He emphasized that principals must facilitate a complete Grade 10 transition. “Those who don’t have a uniform and school fees should go to school. We shall now discuss other things once the students are in school,” Kindiki said.

Students Will Not Be Left Behind Over Fees or Uniforms

President William Ruto has backed the CS’s tough approach. In Meru on January 22, he instructed that students whose parents face financial challenges must be allowed to join senior schools wearing their junior secondary school uniforms. The president noted that many learners had not reported to schools due to fees and uniform shortages and called on chiefs and parents to ensure that every child is in class.

The government has promised to support schools in enrolling students who lack resources. Bursaries and scholarships are being fast-tracked, and community structures are actively mobilized to follow up on learners. These measures aim to make Grade 10 admission inclusive and prevent any child from being excluded because of poverty.

Consequences for Principals Who Resist

CS Ogamba’s warnings are more than words—they are a clear signal that the government will hold school leaders accountable. Any principal who refuses admission over unpaid fees or missing uniforms is now at risk of dismissal. The CS made it clear that teachers cannot use financial constraints as an excuse to deny education.

This hardline approach is intended to enforce national education policy and ensure that no learner is left behind. It also sets a precedent for the upcoming academic years, reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal access to senior secondary education.

Parents have welcomed the strong stance, noting that it addresses long-standing barriers that prevent students from continuing their education. Many children in rural and marginalized areas often miss out on school due to financial hurdles. With the government’s aggressive push, the hope is that these students will finally have a fair chance at Grade 10 admission.

The Bigger Picture on Grade 10 Admission

The Grade 10 Admission drive reflects the government’s broader agenda to strengthen Kenya’s education system. By ensuring all students are admitted regardless of financial status, officials aim to build an equitable learning environment. The initiative also highlights the importance of accountability in school leadership, emphasizing that principals must prioritize student welfare above bureaucracy.

The current campaign serves as a reminder that education is a national priority. It also signals a zero-tolerance approach toward any official who obstructs student progression. As schools prepare to finalize enrollments by January 30, the focus is now on delivering tangible results.

If the government succeeds, this could mark a major shift in Kenya’s approach to education access, particularly in senior secondary schools. By enforcing Grade 10 admission without compromise, authorities hope to close gaps created by poverty and administrative delays. The message is clear: every learner has a right to education, and no principal can stand in their way.