A fresh scandal is unfolding in the Grade 10 placement exercise, with parents alleging that bribery has quietly taken root during the second review window.
The parents said that the search for senior school slots has been turned into a costly and frustrating ordeal.
The revision period which runs from January 6-9, is intended to address cases where learners are uncomfortable with their assigned schools or pathways. This means that parents are allowed to seek admission for their children in their preferred schools.
Several parents who were interviewed said that behind the scenes, they were allegedly faced with demands for bribes particularly in Tier 1 schools.
Reports from the counties indicate that some parents are offering cash and gifts to school officials in a bid to secure favourable placements for their children.
“When I went to apply for a review, I was approached by a fixer who demanded Sh50,000 to secure a slot, claiming my child could not be considered because he had been placed in a county school,” said a parent.
A group of parents outside Starehe Boys Centre and School on January 2, 2025 where they had gone to seek clarity on the admission of their children for Grade 10.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
The situation has fuelled widespread frustration among parents who say they are being pushed to the brink—financially and emotionally—while trying to secure their children’s future.
Many parents said that they had moved from school to school, incurring huge transport and accommodation costs. They said that the demand for bribes caught them by surprise.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) boss Willy Kuria addressing the press during a past conference in Mombasa.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
“I was asked to pay Sh10,000 ‘commitment fees’. As a parent, you have little choice. I came all the way to Kisumu from Nairobi because my son was placed in a day school in Bungoma County even though he scored 65 points. I arrived early. I’m still hoping for the best. This online system has confused parents completely. If the online system is supposed to work, why are we running around schools begging for help?” Asked another parent.
Education analysts and parents said the government’s decision to allow parents to physically seek placement opportunities through schools is the cause of problems. Parents said that the review that was intended to offer flexibility and correct placement errors had opened the door to manipulation.
Sources claimed that in one region, parents had to part with as much as Sh400,000 to secure slots for their children in a Tier 1 girls’ senior school.
“A lot is happening under the carpet. A certain parent told me that he was asked to part with Sh50,000 in a senior school Tier 1. I think the moment the government gave authority for parents to seek fresh schools for their children that is where things went south. Some schools are asking for Sh400 000. Worse still, some parents are willing to pay that amount of money. What happens to the poor ones?" she asked.
The allegations of bribery have prompted the Ministry of Education to convene a meeting with national school principals. They have been warned against exploiting parents.
Basic Education PS, Prof Julius Bitok.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The ministry has said that the Grade 10 placement must remain merit-based and that any form of bribery is illegal.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the ministry has held a meeting with principals from national schools to reinforce cooperation and protect the integrity of the placement process.
“We had a meeting with the head of institutions and have agreed that we must work together, and placements must strictly remain on merit. We have reminded school heads that asking parents for money or engaging in any form of inducement is unacceptable, and anyone found doing so will face action,” he said.
