68,000 learners to reapply for senior school placement after first-round rejections.

By Webmaster Last updated Dec 28, 2025

After their applications were rejected at the initial round of the review process, about 68,000 students who asked to modify their senior school placements would need to submit new requests.

As the initial review window draws to a close, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced on Saturday that candidates who are happy with their placements would start receiving their senior school admission letters on December 28.

The government intends to reopen the system in the first week of January to allow for additional adjustments, so unsuccessful students won’t be locked out. Parents and students have seven days to change their school and pathway choices, and that time is almost up.

More than 343,000 learners responded after the ministry invited candidates to review their placements. While some managed to secure changes, a large number of requests did not go through after assessment.

“Out of the 183,000 applications that have been processed, 116,000 have been approved while 66,000 have been declined,” stated Bitok.

According to the ministry, most of the rejected applications were from learners seeking placement in Category One senior schools, previously known as national or top-tier schools. There are 262 schools in this category across the country.

“One thing we have noted with this revision is that there are a few schools attracting thousands of learners. Some are targeting only about 20 schools with a combined capacity of around 500 learners. I want to call upon Kenyans to move away from the old thinking that only a few schools are good. Under competency-based education, we are investing across the country so that all schools in Kenya can attract learners equally,” Bitok said.

Learners whose placements were confirmed will be able to download their admission letters in the coming week once the first phase of the revision officially closes. The ministry explains that the review process was intended to help learners reassess their pathway choices based on their KJSEA performance.

However, officials say most applicants focused on changing schools rather than adjusting pathways, despite both options being available during the review period.

Those whose applications were declined will be allowed to try again when the system is reopened.

“We are thinking of opening it up again in January to enable those who have been unsuccessful to give it another chance,” he added.

The placement and review process is aimed at resolving cases where learners feel uncomfortable with their assigned schools or believe their pathways do not match their abilities.

The government says the exercise is being handled fairly and openly, noting that this is the first time senior school placement is being carried out through a fully digital system.

68,000 learners to reapply for senior school placement after first-round rejections.

Elimu Centre brings you the necessary materials that you can access in one click. We also publish News, Examinations, Mocks, KCSE Past Papers, Secondary Notes, Primary Resources, CBC resources. For more resources, call/WhatsApp us at +254705738367 or +254726641534.

68,000 learners to reapply for senior school placement after first-round rejections.

Ads Blocker Detected!!!