jasdooit

On Monday, December 22, major national newspapers extensively covered the senior secondary school placement process for students who took the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).

The articles also covered the latest requests from the Orange Democratic Movement Party (ODM) directed at President William Ruto.

1. Daily Nation

The article covered the Ministry of Education’s initiative to establish a seven-day period for review, enabling students and their parents to examine and, if needed, modify senior school placements within the updated senior secondary education system.

Parents have raised concerns following the release of senior secondary school placements for KJSEA students.

The authorities have taken steps to tackle issues raised by applicants assigned to schools that are distant from their residences or to programs they did not choose, while maintaining equity, openness, and compliance with national assignment rules.

“As a groundbreaking initiative, the government acknowledges and understands the concerns and uncertainties faced by parents, students, and other involved parties regarding the shift to Grade 10. We are dedicated to ensuring the placement process is open, equitable, and satisfying, taking into account students’ choices in addition to school resources and available options. We urge all stakeholders to participate positively as we enhance and improve CBE for the advantage of learners,” stated Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof Julius Bitok, in a statement.

The assignment to senior schools was carried out through an automated process that took into account student performance, choices, and available spots, with the goal of ensuring merit, equality, and justice.

“Although many students were placed in their desired schools, some parents and applicants voiced their discontent because of intense competition, few available spots in well-known schools, confusion among parents, students, and school administrators, or discrepancies between chosen programs and test results,” Bitok stated.

During the seven-day review period, applicants have the opportunity to reapply if they are not satisfied with their assigned school or program, provided there is academic merit and available capacity.

Changes will be handled openly and fairly according to national placement rules.

“The portal will remain open for a week, giving students the opportunity to review and choose their desired paths. The system will show schools that have available spots, and changes can be made through junior schools. Learners who qualify will also be able to switch pathways, such as from STEM to Social Sciences,” the PS stated.

The department will offer a list of senior secondary schools that have available spots, sorted by program and area, to assist parents and students.

2. Taifa Leo

A Swahili media outlet covered the latest requests from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party directed at President William Ruto.

Top ODM officials now seek to have the political agreement with Ruto’s UDA party officially recorded before the 2027 election.

The leader of the National Assembly’s minority faction, Junet Mohame, highlighted that the conditions for dialogue must enable the party to distinctly present its requirements, considering ODM’s position as a significant and impactful political entity in Kenya.

“As the ODM, we are a national party, and we will present our requirements before any agreements. If the Kenya Kwanza administration wishes for us to join in a future alliance, we need to have a conversation. We believe the government will meet our current demands, but we can’t risk forming a coalition without officially outlining our conditions as we approach the election year,” Junet stated.