Education officials in Thika, Kiambu County have launched an intensive mop-up exercise aimed at ensuring all learners who completed Grade 9 have reported to senior school, warning that no Grade 10 student will be allowed to remain at home as learning continues nationwide.
The exercise targets parents and guardians who have delayed enrolling their children in senior school, with officials stressing that basic education is compulsory under the law. Authorities also cautioned that parents who deliberately keep learners at home without genuine reasons risk facing legal action.
Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony of Elimu Scholarship beneficiaries at the Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Thika West Sub-County, Sub-County Director of Education Morris Sifuna said education officers, working closely with local administrators, will move across villages and estates to identify learners who are yet to transition to Grade 10.
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“The government is keen on achieving 100 per cent transition. We will not tolerate cases where learners are kept at home while their peers have already settled in school,” Sifuna said.
He noted that the mop-up exercise will involve close collaboration between education officers, chiefs and assistant chiefs to trace learners who have not reported to school and to establish the reasons behind the delay.
At the same time, Sifuna urged parents and guardians facing genuine challenges—such as lack of school fees, illness or other social hardships—to report to education offices instead of keeping learners at home.
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“We are appealing to parents with genuine difficulties to come forward. Government officers, together with our partners, are ready to intervene and provide solutions for needy cases,” he said.
He also called on well-wishers, faith-based organisations and corporate partners to support vulnerable learners, saying collaboration remains critical in ensuring all children access education.
“Education officers are willing to work closely with partners to identify and support deserving students so that no child is left behind,” he added.
Parents whose children benefited from the Elimu Scholarship expressed relief, saying the support had lifted a heavy financial burden amid harsh economic conditions. They noted that the assistance enabled their children to report to school without stress.
One of the beneficiaries, Kevin Ng’ang’a, said the scholarship had restored his hope of continuing education after financial difficulties nearly forced him to drop out.
According to the education office, a total of 880 learners applied for the Elimu Scholarship.
Following a rigorous vetting process that included interviews and home assessments, only 33 needy candidates—17 girls and 16 boys—qualified.
The successful beneficiaries received full secondary school support, including school fees, bedding, books, personal items and pocket money, easing their transition to senior school.
Education officials reiterated that the mop-up exercise will continue until all eligible learners are accounted for and enrolled, underscoring the government’s commitment to compulsory and inclusive basic education.
By Felix Wanderi
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