Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo on Monday, February 5, gave parents in his constituency an ultimatum to ensure their children, who are supposed to be in form one, report to school.
Kimaiyo gave the parents until Wednesday, February 7 to ensure all the children 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 said in a post on X.
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 enrol children who scored below 250 marks in day schools in the constituencies.
MP 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, parents of all students who enrol 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.
Kimaiyo is among politicians who have sponsored needy but bright students in their constituencies.
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 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 said.
On Sunday, President William Ruto warned school heads of sending learners home due to school fees arrears.
Speaking in Kakamega, Ruto said no child should be sent home as the government already disbursed Sh7.5 billion to schools.
"Our children especially those in the Junior Secondary Schools, some fishy happenings are going on in these schools. Some children go to school and are told mambo ni mawili, there is JSS money that has not been sent, go home and bring your fees," he said.