Nyeri: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended his remarks on the placement of Grade 10 learners in senior schools, describing the current process as discriminatory and unfair to both high-performing learners and their parents. Gachagua has blamed the current crisis on the centralisation of the placement of senior schools at Jogoo House, saying the current system had replaced a more transparent model where school principals played a role in the placement of learners in secondary schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gachagua criticized the centralized system, claiming it is rooted in corruption due to the bureaucrats at Jogoo House lacking the capacity to adequately place students. He highlighted instances where students are assigned to day schools hundreds of kilometers from their homes, raising concerns about the practicality of such placements. Gachagua further emphasized that the current system has exposed inequalities in the education sector, despite significant investments through devolution and the National Government Constituency Development Fund.
Gachagua acknowledged the contributions of former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta in establishing a strong educational foundation through policies like Free Primary Education and Free Day Secondary School education. However, he warned that these gains are at risk due to inequitable placement practices in secondary schools. He called for national introspection and a reevaluation of current practices to ensure equity and merit-based placement.
The former Deputy President noted that since voicing his concerns, he received significant feedback from parents nationwide, questioning the criteria used for school placements. Addressing critics who labeled his remarks as tribal, Gachagua clarified that he advocates for equitable, merit-based placement rather than preferential treatment based on regional or tribal affiliations.
Gachagua cited specific instances where students meeting the required marks were denied admission to prestigious schools, while others with lower scores were admitted. He argued for a merit-based system that provides all Kenyan children with equal opportunities to attend top schools.
Responding to accusations from Northern Kenya leaders of advancing regional political interests, Gachagua defended his stance as a responsible national leader. He called for a reassessment of the reliance on affirmative action in school placements, suggesting that after over a decade of devolution, it is time to reconsider the special treatment given to certain regions.
Gachagua criticized regional leaders for failing to develop educational institutions despite receiving significant funding from the government. He cited specific counties and the billions they have received, urging them to invest in high-standard educational facilities. Gachagua made these comments at the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, ahead of the official reporting date for Grade 10 learners to their respective senior schools.