Arts and sports students seek transfers amid deadline extension

“The extension was necessary and very welcome. Parents do not have money,” says Nelly M. Otieno, principal of Dr. Ida Odinga Girls, Asango.

By Friday, 51 students had reported, bringing the total to 135 out of 200 expected. But Otieno is concerned about students placed under the Arts and Sports pathway.

“I had been given 10 students under Arts and Sports. Only five reported and all of them have requested to move to STEM or Social Sciences,” she revealed.

The situation reflects a national challenge. While the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system is meant to nurture diverse talents, many schools lack the facilities to support Arts and Sports students.

Art studios are poorly equipped, music rooms lack instruments and sports grounds are often underdeveloped or missing entirely. Students may be forced to merge with other classes, limiting hands-on learning.

At Nyakach girls national school in Nyakach subcounty, Kisumu county, the situation might be different. According to  Tom Opondo, the deputy principal, they are yet to witness any challenges in the admission process, save for a few parents who report without the required fee of. Ksh. 27000. 

As at now, we are over 50% in admission process. As a school, our target is 1400 but have since admitted 700 students with a surety of more by the end of the day. However, we have witnessed instances where parents only show up with as little as Ksh. 5000, an amount way below the government requirement," says Opondo.

Nyakach girls national school has however made a name and a global mark in sports, currently, holding the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom National Title among other titles with a strong athletic identity.

In contrast, a few well-resourced schools tell a different story with established theatres, music rooms, libraries and modern sports fields, professional coaching and ample opportunities for students to showcase their talents.

At Dr. Ida Odinga Girls, Asango, half of the Arts and Sports students have requested transfers, while the rest are yet to report. 

“This is not just a number. It reflects hope turning into hesitation,” Otieno said. “Without proper guidance and facilities, learners abandon their passions for streams that seem safer or more recognized.”

Education experts warn that prioritizing STEM and Social Sciences sends a message that creative and athletic talents are less valuable. This threatens the inclusivity CBE was designed to promote.

If the trend of abandoning Arts and Sports pathways continues, Kenya risks losing a generation of creative and athletic talent. Schools are the first step in developing athletes, musicians, artists and performers. Without proper pathways, the pipeline of talent feeding national competitions, professional sports and cultural sectors will shrink.

This also threatens careers, economic growth and national pride. Students forced into streams that do not match their passion may underperform, while cultural and sporting institutions lose participants. Urban schools with better facilities will continue to thrive, leaving rural and under-resourced schools further behind, widening inequality.

Despite the challenges, the deadline extension provides an opportunity for schools to guide students and show that their talents matter. 

“We need to show our learners that being an artist, musician, or athlete is as meaningful as being a scientist or economist. Their dreams deserve space to grow,” Otieno emphasized.

Policymakers and school administrators are being urged to bridge the gap with better facilities, trained teachers and clear career pathways. Without such steps, the nation risks losing the potential of Arts and Sports students.

As January 21st approaches, Dr. Ida Odinga Girls reflects the national landscape: talent cannot thrive on paper alone. It needs opportunity, guidance and recognition