In a statement released on Sunday, January 18, the Ministry of Interior said the achievement marks a significant milestone in the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), reflecting near-universal compliance with the country’s education progression framework.
According to the ministry, the transition figures demonstrate strong collaboration between the government, parents, and education stakeholders at both national and county levels.
“The Government and parents of Kenya have recorded significant national progress in implementing the 100% School Transition Policy, with 97% of learners who completed Grade 6 in 2025 transitioning to Junior Secondary School. This milestone reflects near-universal compliance with the CBC progression framework,” the statement said.
The ministry noted that the progress is supported by coordinated monitoring and reporting mechanisms involving National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and County Directors of Education.
A consolidated report compiled by the officers confirms that the country continues to register strong momentum in learner access, retention, and progression, despite challenges faced in some regions.
The ministry emphasized that full school transition is not optional but a constitutional requirement, reiterating that every child has a right to education.
“We reaffirm the Government’s commitment to full transition as a national imperative. Every child has a human and constitutional right to education, and all stakeholders must work together to prevent avoidable dropouts caused by cost barriers, delayed placement, or social vulnerabilities,” the statement added.
Beyond Junior Secondary School, the government reported steady progress in Senior Secondary School enrollment.
According to the ministry, 61 per cent of eligible learners have already joined Senior Secondary School, with enrollment still ongoing across the country.
To ensure that no learner is left behind, authorities have extended reporting timelines and introduced measures aimed at capturing students who are yet to complete placement or report to school.
“Reporting timelines have been adjusted in response to concerns raised by stakeholders, while addressing challenges individual families may be facing. This inclusive approach is designed to reach learners who have not yet reported or finalized placement,” the ministry said.
The government also acknowledged the crucial role played by communities in supporting learner transition, noting that grassroots interventions remain central to achieving full enrollment.
Community-based efforts such as local accountability structures and targeted outreach programs are being intensified to ensure smooth transition across all education pathways.
Among the key strategies currently being implemented are direct learner tracing and household mapping to identify and re-engage learners who have not reported to school.
To ensure that no learner is left behind, authorities have extended reporting timelines and introduced measures aimed at capturing students who are yet to complete placement or report to school.
“Reporting timelines have been adjusted in response to concerns raised by stakeholders, while addressing challenges individual families may be facing. This inclusive approach is designed to reach learners who have not yet reported or finalized placement,” the ministry said.
The government also acknowledged the crucial role played by communities in supporting learner transition, noting that grassroots interventions remain central to achieving full enrollment.
Community-based efforts such as local accountability structures and targeted outreach programs are being intensified to ensure smooth transition across all education pathways.
Among the key strategies currently being implemented are direct learner tracing and household mapping to identify and re-engage learners who have not reported to school.
Community sensitization through barazas, religious institutions, and local forums is also being used to mobilize parents and guardians.
Additionally, financial support mechanisms are being strengthened to reduce exclusion, particularly for vulnerable families.
Additionally, financial support mechanisms are being strengthened to reduce exclusion, particularly for vulnerable families.
These include bursaries and scholarships coordinated through county governments, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), and NGAOs.
Despite the strong overall performance, the report identified several challenges slowing Senior Secondary School transition for a segment of learners.
Despite the strong overall performance, the report identified several challenges slowing Senior Secondary School transition for a segment of learners.
These include financial constraints, isolated cases of early pregnancy, learner absenteeism, reluctance to report, and delays caused by families seeking alternative school placements.
In response, the government said it is working closely with parents, local leaders, and education stakeholders to address these barriers through enhanced bursary mobilization, counseling and re-entry support, community engagement, and faster placement guidance.
Meanwhile, the developments come months after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that some schools could be merged or deregistered following a nationwide verification exercise.
Speaking in the Senate, Ogamba said the government is collecting comprehensive data on student enrollment and school operations to inform a new policy on rationalizing institutions operating below optimal capacity.
He disclosed that some registered schools have extremely low enrollment numbers, making them economically unviable.
“Some schools have fewer than 10 students despite having several teachers. Such institutions are not optimal in terms of resource utilization,” Ogamba said.
The Education CS explained that previous registration processes focused mainly on meeting initial requirements, with limited follow-up audits to assess long-term viability.
The government now says the data-driven approach will help ensure efficient deployment of teachers and resources while maintaining access to quality education for all learners.
In response, the government said it is working closely with parents, local leaders, and education stakeholders to address these barriers through enhanced bursary mobilization, counseling and re-entry support, community engagement, and faster placement guidance.
Meanwhile, the developments come months after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that some schools could be merged or deregistered following a nationwide verification exercise.
Speaking in the Senate, Ogamba said the government is collecting comprehensive data on student enrollment and school operations to inform a new policy on rationalizing institutions operating below optimal capacity.
He disclosed that some registered schools have extremely low enrollment numbers, making them economically unviable.
“Some schools have fewer than 10 students despite having several teachers. Such institutions are not optimal in terms of resource utilization,” Ogamba said.
The Education CS explained that previous registration processes focused mainly on meeting initial requirements, with limited follow-up audits to assess long-term viability.
The government now says the data-driven approach will help ensure efficient deployment of teachers and resources while maintaining access to quality education for all learners.
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Kenya