President William Ruto has called on all Grade 10 learners to report to school this Friday, emphasizing that no learner should be left behind due to lack of school fees or uniforms.
Speaking at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County during the disbursement of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme funds, President Ruto cautioned headteachers against expelling any learner from school and directed the provincial administration to ensure that all learners in their jurisdiction report to school.
“There is sufficient money to teach our children this term. Every child, with or without uniform and school fees, must be in school tomorrow morning,” the Head of State said.
Ruto highlighted that Ksh44 billion has been disbursed in capitation to support schools, ensuring that the transition from primary to junior secondary under the Competence-Based Education (CBE) proceeds smoothly.
“We are aware that many families are struggling. That is why we have put in place sufficient funding. The capitation we have allocated is adequate to support every Kenyan child transitioning to senior school, especially those from needy households,” he said.
President Ruto emphasised that school heads should not turn away learners over fees or uniforms, urging students to report to school even if they only have their former junior school uniforms.
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“Even if you do not have a uniform, go to school with the one you have. No head teacher should send any child away because of fees or uniform. Parents should be given time to raise the money,” he added
The Head of State added that his administration is committed to expanding access to education as a long-term solution to inequality and unemployment, noting that many young people miss out on opportunities not because they lack ability, but because of financial hardship.
“Education is the most powerful tool for transforming lives. We are not only making resources available, but we are also creating opportunities so that every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance to succeed,” he added.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also confirmed that teams have been deployed to follow up on students who have not yet reported.
The directive comes amid concerns that thousands of learners risk missing school due to financial hardship as the country implements the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
At the same event, President Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, launched a Ksh 168 million NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital disbursement targeting young entrepreneurs for the three counties.
The funds will benefit 6,720 youths, each receiving Ksh 25,000 in the first phase of the programme. Of this amount, Ksh22,000 will be credited directly to the beneficiary’s Pochi la Biashara account to support business start-ups or expansion, while Sh3,000 will be deposited into a Haba na Haba savings account managed by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
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Under the second phase of the programme, beneficiaries will receive an additional Ksh 25,000, bringing the total start-up capital per youth to Ksh 50,000.
President Ruto said the NYOTA programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to empower young people economically and reduce unemployment through direct financial support.
“For many years, leaders spoke about empowering the youth, but those promises were never fulfilled. In our administration, we are speaking through action by putting money directly into the hands of young people,” he said.
The programme is expected to boost small businesses, promote a savings culture among the youth and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level.
The President’s directive underlines his administration’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn.
By Kithinji Njeru and John Majau
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