Author: Hezron Rooy

Teachers Reflect on 2024 Challenges Under TSC, Hope for a Better 2025. Teachers hope for a brighter 2025 after enduring numerous hardships under their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The past year was marked by frustrations stemming from flawed promotional interviews, increased financial burdens, and unresolved grievances. The year commenced with the release of results from promotional interviews conducted in December 2023. Many teachers were optimistic after assurances from the TSC’s CEO about fairness in the process. However, when the results were released in February and March 2024, many were left disheartened. Teachers who had acted in higher capacities…

Parents Grapple with Back-to-School Chaos Amid Textbook Shortages. As schools prepare to reopen next week, parents and guardians are flocking to bookshops and uniform centers to ensure their children are ready for the new term. However, parents with children transitioning to grade nine are expressing frustration due to a shortage of textbooks and uncertainty surrounding the required materials. Challenges in Securing Grade N Textbooks Parents are struggling to find all the necessary textbooks for grade 9. Many have been unable to locate some books on store shelves despite their best efforts. A parent shared that they were still searching for…

SHA Highlights Expanded Medical Benefits for Civil Servants. The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued updated guidance regarding medical services for civil servants and their dependents, ensuring clarity under the revised regulations. Robert Ingasira, the chief executive officer of SHA, outlined in communication to healthcare providers that the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF) is now operational under the 2024 regulations. This framework aims to provide civil servants and their dependents with services equivalent to those offered under the previous comprehensive medical insurance scheme. Seamless Transition for Beneficiaries Ingasira emphasized the importance of healthcare providers keeping their staff informed about…

Teen Mothers in Embu Given Scholarships to Resume Education. Nearly 400 teenage mothers from Embu County, who had dropped out of school due to pregnancy, now have a renewed opportunity to pursue their education. The office of Woman Representative Pamela Njoki has awarded full scholarships to enable these young mothers to resume schooling under a program named “Restored Hope.” This initiative, financed through the National Government Affirmative Fund (NGAAF), aims to give these girls a fresh start in their educational journey. The program is set to kick off in January 2024 with the first cohort of beneficiaries, while a second…

Kwale County Awards Sh95.6 Million in Bursaries Ahead of School Reopening. The Kwale County Government has allocated Sh95.6 million in bursaries to support 2,685 bright but needy students attending national secondary schools. This initiative comes as schools nationwide prepare to reopen on January 6, 2025, for the new academic year after the long holiday break. Governor Fatuma Achani, who officiated the bursary distribution event, emphasized the county’s dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing education. She stated that the funds would alleviate financial barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to concentrate on their studies.…

Labour CS Announces 10,000 Jobs for Kenyans in Dubai. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has disclosed plans to hire 10,000 Kenyans for Dubai’s construction sector. The recruitment drive is scheduled for Friday, January 3, and Saturday, January 4, at the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The available positions include steel fixers, masons, scaffolders, carpenters, waterproofing technicians, and general workers. Mutua advised applicants to bring certificates, relevant documentation, and suitable attire for practical assessments. Successful candidates will receive offer letters immediately following the recruitment process. Mutua explained that a three-day period will be allocated…

2025 Ministry of Education Academic Calendar Released: Term Dates and Holidays. The Ministry of Education has unveiled the 2025 academic calendar, outlining key dates for school terms, half-term breaks, and national examinations. The schedule, issued by the Principal Secretary of Basic Education, indicates that Term 1 will commence on January 6, 2025, and conclude on April 4 after 13 weeks. During Term 1, students will enjoy a five-day midterm break from February 26 to March 2. A three-week holiday will follow the term, running from April 7 to April 25. For Term 2, schools will reopen on April 28 for…

2025 Co-Curricular Activities Calendar for Schools and Colleges The Ministry of Education has published the 2025 co-curricular activities schedule for primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools, as well as colleges. This calendar includes detailed timelines for sports, drama, and other activities. A new age cap has been introduced, barring overage students from participating in next year’s school games and sports. In primary schools, students must be under 12 years old to qualify. For junior secondary schools, eligibility is limited to students below 15 years, while in secondary schools, only those under 18 can take part. The Ministry reinstated this age…

No Form One Admissions in 2025 as CBC Transition Alters School Calendar and Funding Structures. When learners return to school on Monday, January 6, the academic term will introduce significant changes for parents, schools, and businesses tied to the education sector. This marks a new phase in Kenya’s transition to the competency-based curriculum (CBC), with notable shifts in school operations and funding structures. No Form One Admissions in January 2025 For the first time since 1985, January will see no Form One admissions due to the phasing out of the 8-4-4 education system in primary schools. The last Standard 8…

TSC Reshuffles Field Directors to Kick Off the New Year. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced adjustments to its field directors as part of its plans for the New Year. These changes include new appointments and transfers of officials to various stations. One of the key movements involves Erick Magak, who has been named the new Nyamira County Director. Magak takes over from Catherine Mwenda, who has been reassigned to Nyeri in the same capacity. Mwenda assumes her new role, succeeding George Thuo, who has opted to leave the position to pursue personal interests. According to information obtained by…