Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo on Monday gave parents in his constituency an ultimatum to ensure their children, supposed to be in form one, report to school. Kimaiyo gave the parents until Wednesday, February 7 to ensure they have reported to form one or be arrested.
“By Wednesday any parent found with a child at home will be arrested. Through the office of Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) working with all chiefs, we shall ensure 100 per cent transition to form one,” he stated.
The MP allied with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) promised to cover school fees for any student who scored 250 marks or above in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
He further directed parents to enroll children who scored below 250 marks in day schools in the constituencies.
Kimaiyo emphasised that his key agenda was education. He added that he had ensured all students who scored 350 marks and above had been admitted to various schools.
According to the MP, the parents of all students who enroll in day schools will not have to pay for anything including meals.
“I already sorted school lunches, the day is free and I mean free. You can inquire,” he added.
The MP was lauded for his gesture to guarantee that all students enroll in form one. He was urged to communicate to all parents through chiefs and other local channels.
Kimaiyo is among various politicians who have sponsored needy but bright students in their constituencies. This is complemented by bursaries issued to parents.
Despite the government’s promise to ensure all students transition to form one, only 70 per cent of the students had reported by the set date of January 15.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang in January however initiated a mop-up exercise countrywide. This exercise was conducted in liaison with officials from the Ministry of Interior.
“We must do the mop-ups to make sure that we attain 100 per cent transition,” he stated.
