Education stakeholders in Igembe North constituency have revealed that many of the school age going children may risk missing out on government funding after parents failed to provide birth certificates and the national identity cards needed for registration on the national education database.
Led by Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu, they regretted that hundreds of learners in the area might be locked out of the government capitation funding after schools expressed concerns that many parents have failed to provide the vital mandatory documents.
Speaking during an Education Day held at Linjoka Day Secondary School where school heads, and education officials were in attendance, MP Taitumu said the constituency was making academic progress but was being held back by the missing documentation.
The lawmaker urged the parents to ensure that they register for the national identity cards in order to enable their children to be enrolled in the national education database.
MP Taitumu emphasized the importance of supporting education, terming it as the great equalizer capable of transforming society and improving the future of children.
Igembe North Sub-County Education Director Ms Leah Roiko also called on parents who have not registered for the national identity cards to take advantage of the government initiative and register promptly.
“From Monday, the Ministry of Education will register schools to KEMIS. Parents are urged to submit birth certificates,” said the official
“Those who do not have identity cards should get them. No child will be registered without the requirements, and that means they will miss out on the government’s capitation.”
Under the Competency-Based Education system, capitation funds are tied to learners registered in the Kenya Education Management Information System. Without proper documents, schools cannot account for the students and do not receive the funds.
Zakary Murungi, headteacher of Linjoka Primary School, said the problem is already affecting learners.
“Parents are not bringing birth certificates. Therefore, we are not receiving capitation from the government,” he noted.
Despite the documentation challenge, Linjoka Day Secondary School has been on an upward trajectory.
Principal Dhillon Mugendi said the school sent 15 students to university in 2024 and 26 in 2025.
Overall, the school’s results contributed to 390 candidates from Igembe North joining university.
“We have been doing well in academics and co-curriculum activities. We have taken learners up to the regional level. Education is the key. A country without education is useless,” said Mugendi.
The principal also highlighted support that has kept learners in class.
He confirmed that Linjoka received relief food from the Office of the MP and Equity Bank, which has helped retain students.
“An administration block is under construction, and the school is requesting a computer lab to support CBE and keep learners “updated with technology.
We have never dismissed any parent seeking more time to pay school fees. Thank you, parents, for supporting education,” said Mugendi.
MP Taitumu pledges for identity cards, backs fathers
MP Taitumu said his office is rolling out a national identity cards distribution exercise and urged residents to take part.
“It is a shame to hear that our grown mothers and fathers lack the important document and are making the children suffer the consequences. For us to grow, we need education. I’m always happy to take part in discussions concerning education,” said Taitumu.
The MP also pledged more support for day schools after noting that bursaries had not been reaching them.
All nine secondary schools in Igembe North have projects funded through the National Government Constituency Development Fund, the education director said.
The education director said relief food delivered to secondary schools is being converted to school fees for vulnerable learners, allowing them to stay in class.
A recurring concern at the event was the absence of male parents in education matters.
“Male parents have left responsibilities to the female parents. Men, please come help us raise children. They need both parents,” said a concerned parent.
Stakeholders said they will organize a Father’s Day for all schools in the sub-county to engage men directly.
“If you want to change the world, you can only use education. Change will only be found if citizens get educated,” reaffirmed Gregory Kathiong’e of the Methodist church.
The school is also running a tree planting program, with seedlings received from the MP’s office and Equity Bank.
As the KEMIS registration window opens, school heads are appealing to parents to bring birth certificates and their own IDs to school immediately.
Those who dropped out at junior secondary were also asked to return, as JSS has no certificate exit point.
“Parents please get birth certificates and parents’ identity cards for registration of learners to the government system. Let them not miss classes. Support the local schools,” urged Mugendi.
