Starahe Boys’ Centre has strongly defended its decision to reject Jack Mutuma Mbabu, one of the students who was placed at the institution, insisting the said learner did not comply the school’s admission requirements. The institution’s attention was drawn to the public backlash that erupted following the centre’s decision to lock out Mutuma who scooped 417 marks out of the possible 500 in the 2018 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Monday, January 21, Starehe Boys’ Centre begun by stating the institution admits 70% of its students from poor family backgrounds and is funded by various sponsors including the government. “In the past few years, old Starehians have become major sponsors and funders of the Centre. A small percentage is admitted from able families to mirror society, and to also contribute to financing the care and education of the needy boys,” it explained in the statement seen by TUKO.co.ke on Tuesday.
PRESS RELEASE ON FORM 1 SELECTION 2019 FOR STAREHE BOYS’ CENTRE & SCHOOL. pic.twitter.com/Xbcgge6u1s
— Starehe Boys’ Centre & School (@Starehe_Boys) January 21, 2019
The elaborate and rigorous selection process kicks off with the candidates expected to sit KCPE choosing Starehe Boys’ Centre as their first choice of national school. This usually happens in the first term of every academic year. “The boy must then complete a comprehensive application form (yellow form) and submit this to Starehe by 31 July of the year they are sitting the examination. This form sets out the family circumstances of the boy. It includes a report from the primary school headmaster on the boy’s performance and discipline. The details are certified by a local leader (MCA or Chief), and a spiritual leader,” the institution said.