Author: Hezron Rooy

East African Community Adds Kiswahili and French as Official Languages. The East African Community (EAC) has formally acknowledged Kiswahili and French as new official languages of the region. This significant decision was made during the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Heads of State, held in Tanzania, where the amendment to Article 137 of the EAC treaty was signed and approved. Previously, Article 137 of the treaty had only recognized English as the official language, while Kiswahili was designated as the lingua franca, intended to be developed as a common language across the Community. However, the EAC had not…

ECDE Teachers Set for Pay Hike After KUNOPPET Negotiations The Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET) initiated the pursuit of improved salaries for Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers in West Pokot by filing Petition No. E003 of 2024 at the Kitale Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC). The union sued the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), the West Pokot County Public Service Board (CPSB), and the Attorney General, citing concerns over the county’s failure to adhere to SRC’s advisory issued on August 10, 2023, which recommended higher salaries for ECDE teachers across all 47 CPSBs. Following the…

KUPPET Wins Trade Union of the Year Award. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Vihiga branch has been honored with the Trade Union of the Year Award. This recognition highlights the branch’s significant efforts in advocating for its members, particularly through its strong presence in both print and electronic media. In addition to its media visibility, the leadership of the Vihiga branch was acknowledged for initiating various welfare programs aimed at supporting its members. These efforts have contributed to the branch’s reputation as a dynamic and influential union. The prestigious award was presented to the branch’s Executive…

KICD Explains Senior School Structure Under CBC: Subjects, Pathways and Tracks. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has provided details on the structure and operation of Senior School within the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). According to KICD Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, Senior School will include Grades 10 to 12, designed for learners aged 15 to 18 years. This stage, lasting three years, marks the conclusion of Basic Education as outlined in the Basic Education Act, 2013. Senior School will prepare learners for tertiary education and the workforce. The 2028 cohort exiting this level is expected…

KUPPET Accuses KNEC of Profiling Teachers From Schools in Western Region. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Kisumu branch has strongly criticized the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) for allegedly profiling exam markers from several schools in the Western region. Branch Executive Secretary Zablon Awange expressed concern that teachers from specific schools had been unfairly targeted without clear justification or proper investigations. He noted that the affected schools included Ulanda Girls, St. Mary’s School Yala, Ringa Boys, Ambira High, St. Peters Mumias, Butere Girls, and Nyaminina Mixed. Other institutions reportedly profiled were Sironga Girls, Sameta Boys, Nyamagwa…

KCA University to Launch Teachers College for CBC Lecturer Training. KCA University has unveiled plans to establish a Teachers College to train lecturers on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), marking a pioneering initiative in the country. The college will operate within the university and aims to prepare educators to effectively navigate the CBC transition while equipping them with the necessary skills to help learners achieve curriculum objectives. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki emphasized that the college is a crucial step toward addressing the urgent need for well-prepared academic staff in the CBC era. Speaking at the university’s 17th graduation ceremony at the…

1,714 Students Graduate at Kiambu Polytechnic’s 20th Grand Ceremony. Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP) celebrated its 20th graduation ceremony on Friday, with 1,714 graduates awarded qualifications in various technical disciplines. The event underscored the institution’s pivotal role in advancing Kenya’s industrialization through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Education Cabinet Secretary’s (CS) message, delivered by Franklin Mukuna, Director of TVET in the State Department of TVET, highlighted the Government’s focus on fostering practical, industry-relevant skills. The CS emphasized that equipping youth with appropriate skills is vital for Kenya’s economic transformation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. It was noted…

SHA Registration Mandatory for January School Reopening as Taifa Care Deadline Approaches. Schools across the country may be forced to deny students admission in January 2025 if they are not enrolled in the new Taifa Care health scheme under the Social Health Authority (SHA). Senior government advisor Moses Kuria revealed the stringent measure aimed at ensuring all Kenyans, including children, are registered for the scheme. Speaking during a Homecoming Sabbath event at the SDA Church Ngarariga in Limuru, Kuria emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving full adoption of Taifa Care. He highlighted the low enrollment of children in the scheme…

Ministry Bars Secondary School Transfers in 2025 Amid Policy Changes. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a suspension of admissions and transfers for secondary schools in 2025. This decision stems from the absence of a Form One class, necessitating adjustments in enrollment processes. In a circular dated November 29, 2024, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang’ directed school principals nationwide not to declare vacancies in Form 2 to Form 4. This measure is intended to address congestion in classrooms and dormitories, ultimately improving learning conditions. Dr. Kipsang’ explained that any previously declared vacancies or conducted interviews must…

Kenya to Host East Africa Games in 2025: Co-Curriculum Events Schedule. Kenya is set to host the East Africa Games under the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) banner, with Nakuru County serving as the venue. Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang disclosed this while releasing the sports calendar for the next year, outlining preparations for the FEASSA event, which will bring together national champions from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi. The Term One Secondary School Sports (under 18) nationals will take place in Mombasa’s Coast Region from April 5 to 13, 2025. Clinics…