Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revealed that nearly 1,000 secondary schools across Kenya currently have no Grade 10 students, exposing deep inefficiencies in resource allocation and leaving teachers underutilised.
Speaking at the Public Universities Vice-Chancellors’ Summit in Mombasa, Ogamba said most of the affected institutions are Cluster 4 day schools, though a few Cluster 3 boarding schools are also struggling with low enrolment.
“We have some 1,000 secondary schools with no Grade 10 students. These schools have teachers and principals, among other staff. Now tell me, how do we move from here?” he asked, stressing the waste of human and financial resources.
The CS further disclosed that one university is operating with only 31 students, underscoring the urgent need for institutions to rethink sustainability and resource management. He noted that such cases highlight the importance of proper planning and accountability in the education sector.
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The Ministry of Education recently audited more than 23,000 public primary schools and 9,606 secondary schools following concerns raised by the Auditor-General over inconsistencies in enrolment data and disbursed funds. Ogamba said the audit will guide government planning and ensure that human, financial, and physical resources are used effectively.
He called on education stakeholders to strengthen coordination and collaboration to address disparities in student numbers, improve sustainability, and guarantee quality learning for all.
National Parents Association Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa supported the call for reforms, suggesting that schools with very few learners should be closed and teachers redeployed to institutions facing staff shortages. However, he emphasised that the government must first investigate why certain schools have no Grade 10 students before taking drastic measures.
By Masaki Enock
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