Author: Hezron Rooy

PS Kipsang’ Announces Drastic Drop in KCSE Exam Malpractice Cases for 2024. Dr. Belio Kipsang’, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Basic Education, reported a significant reduction in cases of exam malpractice during the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams this year. After supervising the distribution of the 2024 KCSE exam papers in Kikuyu sub-county on Friday, Dr. Kipsang’ noted that the use of mobile phones during the exams had decreased to its lowest level in recent years. Dr. Kipsang’ highlighted that incidents of attempted mobile phone use during the exams were notably fewer compared to previous years. He expressed…

Teachers in Nairobi Advocate for Hardship Area Status and Allowances. Teachers in Nairobi are urging the government to recognize the city as a hardship zone and extend allowances to educators working in the area, similar to those offered in other regions. This request comes from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Nairobi branch, which seeks to highlight the unique challenges teachers face in the city, particularly in slum areas. Through a memorandum submitted to 17 Nairobi MPs, led by KNUT Nairobi Executive Secretary Macharia Mugwe, the teachers advocate for Special Allowances for those serving in these high-need regions. Challenges…

Ministry Reports Rise in Pregnant Candidates for KCSE Exams This Year. Dr. Belio Kipsang’, the Principal Secretary of Basic Education, reported a concerning rise in the number of pregnant candidates taking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in hospitals this year compared to 2023. Addressing the public during the KCSE examination paper distribution event in Kikuyu on Friday, he emphasized that the increase is a societal issue that should alarm the community. “Numbers of girls sitting examination in hospitals have slightly gone up, parents let us engage our children so that we can protect them against situations that…

Govt Assures Readiness for Grade 8 to 9 Transition in January 2025. The Kenyan government has reinforced its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for learners advancing from Grade 8 to Grade 9 in January 2025. Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo highlighted the comprehensive measures in place to support this transition, including plans for classroom expansion, teacher recruitment, and digital training programs. To accommodate the influx of Grade 9 students in early 2025, the government has finalized plans for constructing an additional 16,000 classrooms in comprehensive schools across Kenya. Owalo confirmed that financial mechanisms are already established to facilitate…

KEPSHA Conference Ends With Head Teachers Push for Tech Solutions in CBC Education. The 21st annual Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers (KEPSHA) conference, attended by over 15,000 head teachers from public schools, concluded with a resounding appeal to the Ministry of Education. Education stakeholders urged the ministry to harness technology to improve communication on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to parents and teachers across the country. Motivational speaker Wambugu wa Kamau, who has visited schools nationwide, observed a communication gap regarding CBC. Kamau noted that information parents need from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) had not reached them effectively.…

Ministry of Education Warns Principals Over Failure to Register Candidates for National Examinations. The Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, issued a stern warning to school principals who fail to register students for national exams. Dr. Kipsang described such actions as examination irregularities with severe legal consequences. He stressed the government’s commitment to providing all students access to examinations, with the state fully covering examination fees. While supervising the opening of an exam container at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Kikuyu, Dr. Kipsang explained that there was no justification for non-registration of any student. He shared that…

KUSO Petitions High Court for Urgent Release of HELB Funds to Students Under New Funding Model. The Kenya Universities Students Organization (KUSO), under the leadership of President Antony Manyara, has submitted an urgent petition to the High Court of Kenya, requesting the immediate release of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds for students under the recently introduced Higher Education Funding Model (HEFM). This appeal is directed at Hon. Justice Chacha Mwita in the Constitutional Division, referencing Case No. HCCHRPET/E412/2023. Following a court order issued on October 3, 2024, HELB funding has been restricted to students under the old funding system.…

Government to Review Primary School Headteachers’ Promotion Request to Principal Status Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has reassured primary school headteachers that their requests for elevation to principal status will be considered, given the added responsibilities they have taken on since junior secondary schools were introduced last year. He committed to an impartial assessment of elevating primary school administrators to the principal level, which is traditionally limited to secondary school leaders, while considering the potential financial impact on the government. Mr. Ogamba pledged to explore all possibilities regarding the promotion of primary school administrators, stating that where feasible, the government…

Moi University Reopening: Talks Stalled Amid Financial Crisis. Attempts to resolve the impasse at Moi University through late-night discussions on Wednesday between government officials and staff representatives ended without a resolution. Despite these protracted talks, the issue of reopening the university remained unresolved by Thursday, leading to mixed statements from involved parties. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba acknowledged the drawn-out talks, expressing that reopening the university remained a priority. He made this statement while attending a conference in Mombasa. However, Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey, in a later press briefing in Nairobi, confirmed plans to reopen the university…

KCSE Candidate Sits Exams With Oxygen Cylinder in Tow. As thousands of students across Kenya sit for their KCSE exams, Terry Charity, a student at King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja, faces an exceptional challenge due to her serious heart condition. To complete her exams, she relies on an oxygen cylinder and tubes—a lifeline since the national exams commenced last week. Terry’s parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, start each day early, carefully preparing her for school. Living in Sewage Estate near Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, they hire a taxi daily to take her to…