Kericho: Kericho County has almost achieved the full Grade 10 transition after recording a 96 per cent admissions in Senior Secondary Schools, placing the county within reach of the government's target. The development only leaves out a paltry 4 percent of Grade 10 learners, who are out of senior schools for the county to realize full transition under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework in line with the government's recent directive.

According to Kenya News Agency, education officials say the remaining cases were traceable and efforts were underway to ensure that all eligible learners were enrolled in senior schools by the end of the week. Speaking to the Kenya News Agency at his office, Kericho Director of Education, Julius A. Ngoneshi, said at least 23,473 learners out of 24,466 candidates who sat the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment had resumed their classes.

He assured that the missing learners were being closely monitored and that the education office has put in place special follow-up teams to ensure that no learner is left behind. 'We are working hand in hand with school heads, parents, and local administrators to track each learner individually and address any barriers that might prevent their transition,' he said.

At this point, Kericho County has achieved a 96 per cent transition rate, signaling that the systems in place are effective. Ngoneshi stated that the few learners who are yet to report are known and are being followed up on each case to ensure full transition. An analysis of sub-county data shows consistent performance across Kericho, with all six sub-counties posting transition rates above 94 per cent. Belgut Sub-County is leading with a 98 per cent transition rate after placing 3,630 learners out of 3,701 candidates, while Bureti Sub-County has achieved 96 per cent, with 5,252 learners admitted from 5,491 candidates.

Ngoneshi emphasized the importance of early engagement with school heads and daily tracking of admissions, which helped identify gaps and respond promptly. Kericho Sub-County has also recorded a 96 per cent transition rate, with 3,752 learners admitted out of 3,914 candidates. In Soin Sigowet Sub-County, 3,513 learners out of 3,688 have already joined Grade Ten, translating to 95 per cent, while Kipkelion Sub-County stands at 95 per cent after transitioning 3,557 learners from a total of 3,723 candidates. Londiani Sub-County has posted a 94.7 per cent transition rate, with 3,769 learners admitted out of 3,949 candidates.

Ngoneshi stated that there are no capacity issues in senior schools, and individual cases requiring targeted intervention, particularly at the family level, are being addressed. He highlighted the role of the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in strengthening follow-up efforts, particularly at the grassroots level. Collaboration with local administrators has accelerated learner tracing and parental engagement. 'Our collaboration with NGAO has been critical. Chiefs and assistant chiefs are helping us trace learners at the community level, while engaging parents and reinforcing the government's position that every learner must transition to Grade 10,' he said.

The involvement of local administrators through barazas and home visits has been instrumental in resolving cases that might otherwise lead to learners falling out of the education system. 'When the message comes from both the education office and the local administration, it carries weight. Parents understand that this is a national policy and not a suggestion,' he said.

Ngoneshi expressed confidence that Kericho County will achieve full transition within the set timelines, firmly aligning with the Ministry of Education's policy on continuity of learning under the CBE system. 'We are in the final phase of this exercise. By the end of the week, we expect to have achieved 100 per cent transition to Grade 10,' he said.

With transition levels already exceeding 95 per cent across all sub-counties, Kericho County is poised to meet national expectations, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, even as the senior school pathway under the Competency-Based Education system takes full effect.