The Ministry of Education has also announced that form One student placement will begin in two weeks’ time amid new transition rules.
Secondary schools are expected to make adjustments to the instructions for KCPE candidates joining Form 1 in January, according to a circular dated November 1, 2023, from the Principal Secretary (PS) for Basic Education.
According to the PS, the Form 1 reporting deadline is January 30, 2024. In abid to safeguard parents from school exploitation, the PS has directed principals to stop putting purchase requests on parents.
He further instructed principals to stop directing parents to buy uniforms or other supplies from specific stores.
“Schools must not direct parents to procure uniforms or any other materials from a central location.” “At the same time, schools should not ask parents to come and buy items in the school,” reads the Ministry circular.
Private Schools
The Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) has asked the government to ensure impartiality in Form One selection.
According to the association’s vice chairman, Solomon Munene, the selection should be influenced by candidates’ achievement in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam.
“The government should reward hard work and let all candidates join secondary schools of their choice as per their performance,” said Munene.
He added: “All candidates are Kenyan children and it is our belief that Form One selection will be fair to all. Private schools are keenly watching.”