Tharaka nithi: Tharaka Nithi County has reported a 69.8 percent Grade 10 reporting rate as education authorities intensify efforts to ensure all learners assigned to secondary school report before the January 21 admission deadline. The County Director of Education, Mr. Mbugua Kabaki, stated that the county was allocated 14,992 learners to join Grade 10 this year, with 10,453 having already reported to their respective schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Kabaki highlighted that this represents a 69.8 percent reporting rate so far, and he expects more learners to report before the closure of the admission window. All Cluster One national schools in the county, including Chogoria Boys, Chogoria Girls, Ikuu Boys, and Kiriani Boys, have reached full capacity. Some Cluster Two schools have also achieved full capacity, while others are still admitting learners. Cluster Three county schools continue to admit learners, and Cluster Four sub-county schools are the most affected, with some yet to register any admissions.
Kabaki mentioned that scholarship programs targeting needy students have been initiated by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with development partners. The Ministry has awarded scholarships to 10,000 learners nationwide, with Tharaka Nithi County receiving 61 slots. The beneficiaries have reported to their allocated schools and are already learning. Additional scholarship support is being provided by financial institutions such as Co-operative, Family, and Kenya Commercial banks. The National Government and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committees are also assisting learners, particularly those placed in Cluster Four and sub-county schools.
To trace learners who have yet to report, a multi-agency team led by the County Commissioner has been formed. This team is working closely with junior secondary school heads to identify and facilitate the reporting of all learners through door-to-door visits. Kabaki expressed confidence that most of the remaining learners would be admitted within the next few days.
On the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) pathways, the Ministry of Education has introduced three learning pathways at the Grade 10 level. These include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), which accommodates 60 percent of learners; Social Sciences at 25 percent; and Arts and Sports Science at 15 percent. Schools are required to offer at least two pathways, with STEM being compulsory. Kabaki noted that arts and sports science pathways are talent-based and require specialized infrastructure and trained personnel. An intensive teacher retooling program was conducted in December 2025 to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge. The ministry continues to support teachers through quality assurance mechanisms and ongoing online induction programs to ensure effective curriculum delivery.