Parents Raise Concerns After Some Schools Ask for Ksh100,000–Ksh150,000 for Grade 10 Placement

Concern is growing among parents across the country as the Grade 10 placement process continues to face delays and confusion, with claims emerging that some schools are demanding large sums of money to secure admission slots.

As reporting dates approach, many families say they are still uncertain about where their children will join senior school, with some alleging that they have been asked to pay between Ksh100,000 and Ksh150,000 to influence placement decisions.

Parents affected by the situation say they have been moving from one school to another in search of solutions, only to be met with closed doors. Several reported that school administrators have declined to listen to their concerns, while others were told to wait for feedback that may never come.

In some cases, learners were reportedly placed in institutions located far from their homes, including day schools in counties miles away, a move parents say is unrealistic and difficult to manage.

One Nairobi-based parent shared their frustration after their child was assigned a school in Siaya County.

“The school is very far, and I don’t know the area at all. I am completely stuck and don’t know how my child will manage,” the parent said.

Another parent narrated their experience after making several unsuccessful attempts to secure a slot in a national school within Nairobi.

“We have gone to the school many times, but we are never allowed inside or allowed to speak. We are only told to wait for calls, yet no one explains when or if that will happen,” the parent explained.

Some parents claim they were bluntly informed that securing a place in their preferred schools was nearly impossible, despite recent assurances from the Ministry of Education.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had earlier announced changes to the placement guidelines, allowing parents to seek transfers for Grade 10 learners under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

Following public complaints, the Ministry launched a second placement review phase, which began on January 6 and will run until January 9.

Learners are expected to report to their assigned senior schools starting January 12, once the review window closes.

However, parents say their worries have intensified due to allegations that some school heads are illegally demanding extra payments to approve transfers or admissions.

According to several parents, well-performing schools are allegedly asking for hefty sums, even as families struggle to raise basic school fees.

“One person asked for Ksh150,000 while another requested Ksh100,000 just to consider my child. I was even given a contact person. I simply cannot afford that because I only budgeted for official school fees,” one parent said.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that the first revision phase of the Grade 10 placement exercise ended on December 29, 2025, with successful applicants able to access joining instructions through the placement portal from December 30.

The Ministry has maintained that the ongoing second review will only address cases backed by valid and verifiable reasons, as the government seeks to ensure fairness while managing limited school capacity nationwide.

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