Author: Hezron Rooy

UASU Criticizes New Higher Education Funding Model for Potential Student Dropouts Onesmus Mutio, the Organising Secretary of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), has criticized the new higher education funding model implemented last year, attributing it to a potential increase in student dropouts across universities nationwide. He discussed this issue in an interview with a local media outlet last week. Mutio explained that the new model requires universities to disclose the costs of their programs on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) platform. This enables students to choose between private and public universities based on their financial…

Former School Principal of Bunyore Girls, Lugulu Dies Priscilla Were, a highly skilled administrator and former Principal of Bunyore and Lugulu high schools, has passed away. She began her education at St Annes Kisoko High School in Nambale Sub-County and later earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Nairobi, marking the formal start of her teaching career. In September 1973, Priscilla’s administrative talents were recognized with her appointment as Deputy Head Mistress of Butere Girls High School in the then Western Province. Her career advanced significantly in January 1974 when she was promoted to head…

Education PS Kipsang Faces MPs on Special Schools Funding On Tuesday, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang is scheduled to appear before the National Assembly Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity. He will address concerns regarding the allocation of capitation to Special Schools. The Committee, chaired by Mandera East MP Yusuf Adan Haji, has previously urged the Ministry of Education to double capitation for schools catering to learners with special needs. This request aims to alleviate challenges faced by both teachers and students in these institutions. During a recent visit to St Jude Malaba Special School for mentally challenged children,…

Kenyan Students Face Crisis as Foreign University Recruitment Agencies Licenses Set to Expire Kenyan students aiming to study at foreign universities are facing a crisis as the licenses of 39 recognized agents responsible for linking them to these institutions are set to expire soon. The Commission for University Education (CUE) presented documents to the National Assembly Committee on diaspora and migrant workers indicating that the licenses of these 39 agencies will expire on June 19, 2024. This impending expiration will leave students in a vulnerable position, unable to verify the authenticity of foreign universities through government channels, which increases the…

Michuki Technical Training Institute Set to Become a National Polytechnic After over sixty years of providing vocational, technical, and industrial training, Michuki Technical Training Institute (MTTI) is poised to become a national polytechnic. Established in 1956 as a youth training center, MTTI has continuously offered quality training in various technical fields and now aims to lead globally in vocational education. At a stakeholders meeting in Murang’a, Kangema Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi highlighted the benefits of this elevation. He noted that it would expand the institution’s current programs, enhance research capabilities, create employment opportunities, and ultimately benefit other vocational training…

Ministry of Education Opens Scholarships and Loans Application Portal on Tuesday The Ministry of Education has announced that the application portal for scholarships and loans for students joining universities and TVET institutions will officially open on Tuesday, June 18. This adjustment follows changes to the national calendar, as initially, the portal was scheduled to open on Saturday, June 15. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu explained that the decision to push the date was made to accommodate the declaration of Monday, June 17, 2024, as a public holiday to mark Eid Al-Adha. Follow Teachers Updates On X This adjustment aims to…

Govt to Establish Low-Cost Boarding Schools in Insecurity-Prone Areas Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang announced the government’s commitment to assisting parents and learners in areas affected by cattle rustling and banditry through the establishment of low-cost boarding schools. During a public engagement at Moinonin primary school in Saimo Soi Ward, Baringo County, Dr. Kipsang, accompanied by three other PS’s from the social sector sub-committee, expressed the government’s dedication to protecting the lives and properties of locals tormented by armed criminals for a long time. He mentioned that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are in the process of…

KICD Directs Secondary Schools To Share Lab Facilities With JSS Charles Ongondo, the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), has urged secondary schools to share their laboratory facilities with nearby Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). He highlighted that many JSS lack the necessary laboratories for students to conduct practical lessons. Ongondo’s comments were made during an education day event for Rachuonyo North Sub County at Gendia Secondary School in the Karachuonyo constituency. He announced that the government has plans to construct integrated learning resource centres in all primary schools to support JSS learners with their practical lessons. The…

Education Committee Promises to Promote TSC-Teacher Relations Julius Melly, Chairperson of the National Assembly Education Committee, addressing concerns in Nandi Central, emphasized the committee’s commitment to fostering positive relationships between teachers and their employer, the TSC. Melly highlighted that ongoing disputes have hindered efforts to improve academic standards nationwide. Melly acknowledged the validity of issues raised by JSS teachers and disclosed that the committee had urged the government to address these concerns promptly. Follow Teachers Updates On X He stressed the committee’s role in advocating for educational reforms and ensuring effective governance in the sector. Regarding employment initiatives, Melly announced…

TSC to Ensures Fair Compensation and Timely Confirmation for Acting Teachers — Amendment Bill A new legislative proposal, the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been introduced in Parliament. The bill aims to facilitate payment of allowances and limit the duration teachers can hold administrative roles without confirmation. If approved by the National Assembly, this bill will provide monetary benefits to numerous teachers who have been acting in administrative roles without compensation. Addressing Promotion Issues Despite the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) promoting 36,505 teachers in March, many others who had been interviewed were left out. This situation is partly due…