Nairobi: The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has supported the recent government's directive to allow all grade 10 students to report to senior schools irrespective of whether they fulfilled the basic requirements. KUPPET National Chairperson, Omboko Milemba, stated that the union fully backs President Dr. William Ruto's order, noting that the move would ensure a 100 percent transition of Grade 10 learners.

According to Kenya News Agency, Omboko Milemba expressed excitement upon hearing the president's order that all students who cannot afford Grade 10 school fees be allowed to report without further delays. He identified uniforms, school fees, and admission fees as the primary barriers to accessing basic education. The unionist commended the president for heeding their pleas for unconditional admission to Grade 10.

He urged teachers to adhere strictly to the order by admitting students without full fees, uniforms, or shoes. 'Many children are still at home with no hope of going to school,' he remarked. Omboko, who also serves as the Emuhaya MP, called on teachers, parents, guardians, and chiefs to facilitate the students' school attendance within the next five days to ensure the transition is completed.

'By Friday, we should be asking the president for full capitation, starting with what remained last year, which is Sh6000 per student, and what is remaining now, since we have received 5000 out of Sh11000 per student,' he stated. He emphasized that this opportunity could mark the beginning of a new era for the country's goal of free basic education.

Omboko urged the Ministry of Education and other partners to prioritize scholarship distribution within the next 30 days and called on members of parliament to focus on bursaries within the same timeframe to enhance educational access. He highlighted the importance of admitting students despite potential shortages in learning materials and infrastructure.

The MP also pressed the government to ensure all necessary textbooks are available in schools by Friday, emphasizing their role as essential learning materials. He called on citizens to support the government's initiative and ensure that all students in their vicinity attend school, as basic education remains compulsory.

However, Omboko requested that the state expedite the disbursement of capitation funds to schools to ensure the smooth operation of educational institutions.