Radio host and actress Jacquey Nyaminde, widely known as Wilbroda, has urged parents and communities to take action as many learners struggle to transition from grade 9 to senior school.
Speaking on radio on Friday, January 23, 2026, she explained that several students face challenges such as failing exams, not having uniforms, or attending schools that are far from home.
“Tulikua tunazungumza kuhusu transition ya grade 9 hadi kuenda senior school ambayo ni grade 10. Na watoto wengi wanasumbuka kwa sababu wameshindwa na mambo ya karo, ama ni uniform, ama ni shule iko mbali, yaani mambo mengi,” she said.
She said the reliance on the government has delayed progress for many families.
“Na ndio sababu nasema, it is time we stopped relying on the government. Oh, tunaomba serikali oh tunaomba serikali. What can we do ourselves?” he explained.
Wilbroda added that communities need to look for solutions on their own and take steps even before the government acts.
Finding solutions within communities
She said parents and local groups can start helping learners immediately rather than waiting for government intervention.
“Sisi wengine tunaweza kufanya nini, ndio hata serikali ikikuja kama itakuja, ipange kwamba sisi tayari tumeshapiga hatua kadhaa mbele,” she explained.
Wilbroda said that some problems, such as paying fees or getting uniforms, can be addressed locally through support networks and community initiatives.
She also highlighted the importance of planning for long-term support.
“Sometimes you have to find the solution amongst yourselves,” she said, noting that learners often miss school not because of a lack of interest, but due to preventable obstacles.
She encouraged parents to prioritise education and seek local solutions that can help children report to senior school on time.
President William Ruto, on 22nd January 2026, directed that all students transitioning to grade 10 be allowed to report to their assigned schools even if they do not yet have the required fees or senior school uniforms.
“We have been informed that many children have not gone to school because parents do not have money to pay school fees or to buy uniforms. I want to instruct every chief that every child must be taken to school. If a child has a JSS uniform, they can use that same uniform to attend secondary school as they wait for their parents to get money. No Kenyan child should stay at home because of a uniform,” Ruto declared.
