President William Ruto has ordered that all learners transitioning to Grade 10 report to their schools by Monday next week, regardless of their ability to pay fees. The directive comes amid concerns that thousands of students could miss school due to financial hardship under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Speaking at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County during the launch of the NYOTA programme for Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, President Ruto emphasized that poverty should not prevent children from accessing education.
“I have directed all chiefs to ensure that every child who completed junior school reports to senior school. No learner should remain at home because of lack of fees, uniform or any other reason,” he said.
He tasked local administrators with overseeing the transition, noting that education is the most effective equaliser in society. President Ruto acknowledged financial strain among families but assured them that the government has allocated Sh44 billion in capitation to support learners joining senior school.
“We know families are struggling, and that is why we have set aside adequate funding. The capitation we have allocated will support every child, especially those from needy households,” he said.
The President further instructed school heads not to turn away students over unpaid fees or uniforms, urging learners to report with whatever they have.
“Even if you do not have a uniform, report 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 said.
President Ruto also reiterated that education expansion is a key pillar of his administration’s agenda to address inequality and unemployment, emphasizing that financial constraints, not ability, should not deny young people opportunities.
“Education is the most powerful tool for transforming lives. We are committed to ensuring every child, regardless of background, gets a fair chance to succeed,” he said.
He warned opposition leaders against politicizing government empowerment initiatives.
“Development programmes are not political tools. They are meant to improve lives, and leaders should stop misleading the youth for political gain,” he said.
At the same event, President Ruto and Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki launched the disbursement of Sh168 million under the NYOTA Business Start-Up Capital programme, targeting 6,720 youths in the three counties. Each beneficiary will receive Sh25,000 in the first phase and another Sh25,000 in the second phase, with funds deposited into their Pochi la Biashara and Haba na Haba accounts managed by NSSF.
“For years, leaders talked about empowering the youth without action. Our administration is delivering by putting money directly into the hands of young people,” he said.
The NYOTA programme is expected to boost small businesses, encourage savings, and stimulate grassroots economic growth.
