The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced plans to broaden access to some of Kenya’s most prestigious national and extra-county schools in a bid to address long-standing admission pressure.
Speaking at the Elimu Mashinani engagement in Nakuru, Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok said the government is working on strategies to increase capacity in high-demand schools known for consistent academic performance.
He observed that many top institutions admit only a small fraction of applicants despite overwhelming demand from learners across the country.
“We are looking at ways of expanding the capacity of these popular schools. They have a strong tradition of performance, and it is only fair that more students get opportunities to learn there,” Bitok said.
The proposal seeks to ease congestion in elite schools through expansion of facilities and increased intake, allowing more students to benefit from their established learning environments.
However, Bitok was quick to clarify that the initiative will not undermine smaller schools.
He said the Ministry will simultaneously strengthen under-enrolled institutions to ensure equitable development in the education sector.
“As we expand the well-performing schools, we are also supporting those that are struggling with low enrolment. No institution will be left behind,” he added.
The announcement comes amid growing public concern over fee structures in some high-ranking schools, where parents have raised questions about additional charges beyond government-approved limits.
Bitok reiterated that the approved fee for senior school stands at Sh53,000, stressing that any extra levies must follow official approval procedures within the Ministry.
“The standard fee remains Sh53,000 for senior school. Any additional contributions must be properly approved through the established process,” he said.
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The policy is expected to reshape admission patterns in sought-after schools while promoting more balanced growth across all public learning institutions.
By Kimwele Mutuku
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