Congestion, Classroom Shortages and Teacher Gaps Mark Grade 9 Rollout.
The first day of Grade 9 under the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) saw over one million learners grapple with congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of teachers.
Despite government assurances, Nation Africa’s spot checks revealed learners sharing classrooms and using makeshift structures in many schools, with some lacking textbooks.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba dismissed the concerns, stating the government is on track with the junior school rollout. Speaking in Kajiado North, Ogamba emphasized that 14,500 classrooms had been constructed out of a targeted 16,000.
He assured that textbooks would be delivered within the week and highlighted the government’s focus on improving infrastructure in remote areas.
Challenges in Kilifi County
In Kilifi County, schools like Kilifi Primary and Kibaoni Primary struggled with infrastructure. Kilifi Primary’s head teacher, Emmanuel Karuke, reported 186 learners and six teachers for junior school, while Kibaoni’s head teacher, Charles Gona, said they had 244 learners but no specific classrooms for Grade 9. Makeshift arrangements were made as they awaited government intervention.
Laikipia County Improvises
In Laikipia County, improvisation became the norm. Jackson Thangei, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) executive secretary, reported a significant shortage of teachers and incomplete infrastructure, despite 75% progress in development.
Schools like Nkando Primary merged streams to create space for Grade 9, while Kairigire Primary converted staffrooms into classrooms.
Meru County Progress
Meru County’s education director Joseph Maki noted that 348 classrooms were under construction, with many ready for use. However, Kenya Primary School Heads Association chairman Kiragu Guantai acknowledged delays in funding had slowed progress.
In North Imenti, MP Rahim Dawood highlighted a deficit of 29 classrooms and ongoing efforts to address the gap.
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Nyandarua and Narok Counties Face Setbacks
In Nyandarua’s Umoja Mbuyu Primary School, Grade 9 learners were sent home due to the lack of classrooms, leaving parents like Stella Nyokabi frustrated.
Narok County reported overcrowded classrooms, desk shortages, and insufficient teachers in schools such as Nairenke, Nakurto, and Namelok, though Masikonde Primary showed improvement with additional desks and renovated classrooms.
Nakuru and Samburu Counties Show Mixed Results
In Nakuru County, schools like Lemechonik and Nyathuna faced overcrowding. Meanwhile, Maralal DEB Primary in Samburu County completed seven new classrooms, with plans for two more. Head teacher Boniface Lonyait said the new facilities would ease overcrowding for over 360 learners.
The Path Ahead
The CBC rollout continues to face logistical and infrastructural challenges. While some schools exhibit progress, others remain underprepared. The government’s commitment to addressing these issues will determine the success of the transition to junior secondary school.
Congestion, Classroom Shortages and Teacher Gaps Mark Grade 9 Rollout.
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