Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has dismissed government claims that 97 per cent of learners have transitioned to Grade 10, saying the figures do not reflect what is happening in schools across the country.
Mbui was responding to a report by National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) which said Kenya had achieved near-universal compliance with the 100 per cent School Transition Policy under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, January 19, 2026, the MP said many public schools are admitting far fewer learners than their approved capacity, an indication that placement is still incomplete.
He cited a school he visited last week with an admission capacity of over 200 students, but which had admitted only 70 learners.
According to Mbui, many learners may have been placed in the system but have not physically reported to school, while others remain at home without clear information on admission.
He blamed the situation on a rushed and poorly coordinated placement process.
Mbui said the Ministry of Education quietly extended the placement window after complaints from parents and learners, allowing students to reapply or change schools after being placed far from home, a move he said showed the system had failed.
The MP also claimed that principals have been allowed back into the admission process, despite earlier criticism of the old system.
He questioned why the government was reverting to principal-led admissions if the previous system was considered flawed.
Mbui further warned that many schools lack the infrastructure required to support the new senior school pathways under CBC.
He said some schools approved to offer sports pathways do not have basic facilities such as playing fields, especially in hilly and remote areas.
Despite the criticism, the government maintains that the transition has been largely successful.
According to the NGAO report, 97 per cent of learners who completed Grade 6 in 2025 have transitioned to Junior Secondary School.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the figures reflect collaboration between government agencies, schools and parents.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration said education remains a constitutional right and reaffirmed its commitment to full transition, while acknowledging that efforts are still ongoing to reach learners who are yet to complete the placement process.
