90% of Grade Nine Classrooms Complete, Says CS Ogamba.
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), has successfully constructed 14,500 out of the 16,000 classrooms required for the first cohort of Grade Nine learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
This development ensures that a majority of Junior Secondary School (JSS) students will have access to adequate learning facilities.
During a visit to Kajiado North to assess preparations for the new school term, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos, stated that efforts are being made to finalize the construction of the remaining classrooms.
He assured that the pending JSS classrooms would be completed within a month. Migos emphasized the ministry’s commitment, employing a multi-agency approach to guarantee a smooth transition to Grade Nine.
The CS advised that challenges hindering classroom completion should be promptly addressed, including considering temporary solutions like merging lower-grade classes to accommodate Grade Nine learners.
“Where there are challenges, it should be escalated, and a solution is found, including merging classes for the lower grades so that the grade nine learners are not affected,” he said.
Book Distribution and Teacher Allocation
Migos highlighted that 9.9 million textbooks covering all learning areas have already been distributed nationwide, with every student expected to receive their books in a 1:1 ratio upon reporting to school. He added that distribution is still ongoing in areas where delays have occurred.
To address teacher shortages, nearly 76,000 teachers have been allocated for JSS. In regions with insufficient staff, primary school teachers with relevant competencies will step in to handle JSS classes.
The CS reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to achieving a 100 percent transition rate for learners moving from Grade Six to Grade Seven, in line with Article 53 of the Constitution. He urged teachers not to send away students lacking uniforms or required items, allowing them time to make necessary purchases.
Visits to Schools in Kajiado North
Migos visited Ongata Rongai Comprehensive School, Arap Moi Comprehensive School, Oloolua Comprehensive School, and Kimuka Comprehensive School in Kajiado North. He was accompanied by the area Member of Parliament (MP), Onesmus Ngogoyo.
Hon. Ngogoyo called on the Ministry of Education to include funding for desks in the supplementary budget, noting that desks had not been accounted for in the initial allocation for classroom construction.
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He stressed that the cost of providing lockers should not be shifted to parents, given the current economic hardships.
The Ministry of Education allocated 11 billion shillings for the construction of 11,000 classrooms, while the national treasury disbursed an additional 7.8 billion shillings to NG-CDF for the construction of 5,000 more classrooms.
These efforts aim to meet the infrastructural needs of the first cohort of Grade Nine learners.
90% of Grade Nine Classrooms Complete, Says CS Ogamba.
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