The decision has affected students seeking placements in senior secondary schools across the country, particularly those targeting top-tier institutions.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok explained that most of the declined requests were from students applying to elite schools, which are fewer than 20 nationwide and lack the infrastructural capacity to accommodate a surge of students.
“Out of the 183,000 transfer requests that have been processed, 116,000 have been approved, while 66,000 have been declined. The main reason is capacity. More than 50,000 students are interested in 20 schools, which is impossible to manage,” he said in an interview on December 27, 2025.
The Grade 10 placement process was fully automated, taking into account multiple factors including learners’ KJSEA performance, psychometric test results, equity considerations, and individual school capacity.
Students whose transfer requests were rejected have been advised to make fresh appeals during the first week of January 2026 to secure alternative placements.
For those whose transfers were approved, the ministry announced that admission letters would be accessible starting December 28, 2025, with reporting to senior schools scheduled for January 12, 2026.
“The system prioritizes fairness and equity. While it is unfortunate that some requests could not be accommodated, we are committed to ensuring all learners access appropriate institutions,” PS Bitok said.
Bitok also noted that some schools in certain regions are under-subscribed, a situation the ministry plans to address by balancing student distribution more effectively across the country.
The ministry is considering a second round of revisions between January 6 and 9 to ensure optimal allocation of students to available schools.
The announcement follows the release of the 2025 KJSEA results on December 11 and the subsequent Grade 10 placements on December 19. According to ministry data, a total of 1,130,459 learners sat for the 2025 KJSEA, including 578,630 males and 551,829 females.
The ministry stated that top performers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), social sciences, and arts tracks will continue to receive priority placement in boarding schools of their choice.
This ensures that high-achieving students gain access to quality institutions that can further nurture their talents and academic development.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and PS Julius Bitok have both emphasized that the ministry is committed to a transparent and fair placement process.
The automated system, they explained, allows for efficient management of student numbers while considering individual preferences, academic merit, and geographic equity.
While the decision has disappointed thousands of students and parents, ministry officials have assured the public that appeals and a second revision period will provide additional opportunities for students to secure suitable placements.
The ministry continues to work on improving infrastructure and expanding school capacities to accommodate growing demand in future intake years.
The 2025 Grade 10 placement process highlights the challenges of balancing limited resources, high demand for top schools, and the need for equitable access for all students.
The Ministry of Education has called on parents and students to remain patient and follow official channels for appeals and further guidance.
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