Newspapers: Government Launches KJSEA Website Amid Concerns About School Reform

On Monday, December 22, national newspapers reported extensively on the correction of Senior School students who took the Grade 9 Examination (KJSEA).

The newspapers also reported on the new demands of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for the President William Ruto.

Top news in Kenyan newspapers today. Photo: Daily Nation/The Standard.
Source: UGC

1. Daily Nation

The newspaper reported on the move by the Ministry of Education to open a seven-day adjustment window, which will enable students and parents to review and, if necessary, adjust the placement of high schools under the new system of higher secondary education.

There have been complaints from parents after the ministry announced the placement of secondary schools for KJSEA students.

The government has now taken steps to address the concerns of candidates assigned to schools far from their homes or assigned to pathways they did not prefer, while ensuring fairness, transparency and adherence to national placement guidelines.

“Since this is the first program of its kind, the government understands and unites with parents, students and other stakeholders regarding the concerns and doubts related to the transition to Class 10.

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We are committed to ensuring that the placement process is open, fair and satisfactory, taking into account the preferences of the students as well as the school’s capabilities and available resources. We encourage all stakeholders to participate positively as we continue to improve and strengthen Competency-Based Education (CBE) for the benefit of students,” said the Secretary General of Basic Education, Professor Julius Bitok, in a statement.

High school placement was done through an automated system based on student performance, preferences and availability, with the aim of maintaining eligibility, equity and fairness.

“While many students managed to get a place in the schools they preferred, some parents and candidates expressed dissatisfaction due to the high competition, few places in popular schools, poor communication between parents, students and principals, or inconsistency between the chosen methods and the evaluation results,” said Bitok.

During the adjustment period of seven days, candidates can reapply if they are not satisfied with the school or route they were assigned to, depending on performance and available positions.

The amendment will be processed transparently and fairly according to national planning guidelines.

“The website will be open for one week, allowing students to modify and reselect their preferred pathways. The system will show schools with spaces, and modifications will be submitted through pre-secondary schools. Path changes, such as switching from STEM to Social Sciences, will also be possible for students who meet the criteria,” explained the Secretary General.

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The Ministry will provide a list of high schools with vacancies, divided according to routes and groups, to guide parents and students.

2. Nation Today

The Kiswahili newspaper reported on the new claims of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against President William Ruto. The main leaders of ODM now want a political agreement between the party and UDA of Ruto should be put in official writing before the 2027 election.

The Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, emphasized that the terms of cooperation should allow the party to clearly state its demands, given that ODM is a large and influential party in Kenya.

“As ODM, we are a national party, and we will make our demands clear before any agreement. If the government of Kenya Kwanza wants us to enter into an agreement about a future alliance, we must negotiate.

We are confident that the government will fulfill our current demands, but we cannot enter the coalition without officially mentioning our demands as we head towards the election year,” said Junet.

3. The Star

The newspaper reported that detectives investigating the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament, Cyrus Jirongo, raided a popular bar and restaurant along Magadi Road, Nairobi, as part of the ongoing investigation.

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The newspaper says the team of DCI tracked the former member of parliament to the hotel he visited a few hours before he was involved in an accident that happened several kilometers from there.

Detectives interviewed local workers in an effort to trace the people he met before his death. The police visit took place on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

It is believed that he left a Karen restaurant before heading to Lang’ata Road, then entered Magadi Road to a hotel where he stayed for a short time before leaving.

4. The Standard

The government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara South and West following bloody clashes that left at least seven people dead.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, announced the move on Saturday, December 20, during his visit to Kilgoris.

During their visit to the area, Lagat and his team held consultation meetings with local leaders, elders and residents with the aim of restoring peace.

He stressed that community leaders had the ability to solve these problems, but due to their failure, the government had to take action.