Magoha Responds To Extension Request for Junior Secondary School Selection Period
The Ministry of Education will evaluate the progress of the ongoing selection of junior secondary school places by Grade 6 students next week before determining whether to prolong the application period.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha said on Wednesday that not all students had made their choices.
The students are choosing secondary schools for Grade 7 in January of next year, following their Kenya Primary School Education Assessment in November.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) launched the selection portal on August 15 and plans to close it on Tuesday, August 30.
“We’ll sit down with my team and decide whether it’s important to add some more time because this is so critical.”
He was speaking at Muhuru Muchiri Secondary School in Njiru, Nairobi County, when he dedicated a new classroom.
“This is the first time something like this has happened. If we need to reassess on Tuesday, we’ll get back to you.
The CS advised parents to help their children choose schools, saying that some of them miss out on good schools because they only focus on a few top schools.
"If there is a need for us to extend, we will,” Prof. Magoha said.
There will be a double intake next year as students from the 8-4-4 system transition to Form One. The large number of students—approximately 2.5 million—is expected to result in a fierce competition for secondary school spots.
Prof Magoha stated that a number of private schools have built infrastructure to host junior secondary schools, relieving pressure on public schools.
Prof. Magoha has also ruled out extending the school calendar after students missed two weeks of class due to electioneering.
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The CS stated that he would continue to work until his successor took over.
Magoha Responds To Extension Request for Junior Secondary School Selection Period