The Coast regional commissioner John Elunguta has ordered chiefs in Magarini, Kilifi County to start arresting parents of the 2018 KCPE candidates who were expected to have reported to Form One from January 7, 2019.
Addressing education stakeholders including parents and principals at Galana Secondary School in Magarini sub-county, Elungut said the government is not relenting on the 100% transition to secondary schools policy, which was spearheaded by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Elunguta said that he will reward Sh50,000 a Chief whose area will be the best in implementing the policy.
According to the commissioner, out of all the candidates who sat for last year’s KCPE, only 64% have reported to their respective secondary schools.
“About 700 pupils in Magarini are nowhere to be found in the schools they were called to report. Parents’ reluctance is the major reason behind this matter. I want to tell parents that we are coming for you,” he said on Thursday.
He added that parents have no option but to take their children to school as it is their role to do so, adding that the government will not spare anyone who will derail the 100% transition to secondary schools policy.
He further added that some school administrations, especially day schools, have been reported to be charging extra fee despite the free day school directive by the government.
He said, ”no form of impediment should bar the children from going to school. Whether with or without any school facility, including school uniform, principals are hereby ordered to admit them the way they are. The rest will be sorted as they continue enjoying their educational right.”
Reiterating on the commissioner’s statement, Coast regional education coordinator Hassan Duale said, “if the government pays for everything including facilities and maintenance, what is the money for lockers needed for? Let us support the government and ensure all children go to school.”
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