Education Ministry Affirms Grade 9 Smooth Transition as Schools Reopen for the New Term.
As schools prepare for the first term of the education calendar, learners and guardians have been assured of sufficient classrooms, books, and teachers. The government has been making significant efforts to ensure a smooth reopening for all institutions.
Progress in Infrastructure
The government has constructed additional classrooms in primary schools to support Grade 8 learners transitioning to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
According to Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Basic Education, the past year has seen meticulous preparations for a seamless transition.
Speaking in Mombasa after meeting County Directors of Education from the Coast region, Dr. Kipsang revealed that 13,200 classrooms have been built against a target of 16,000.
Out of these, the Ministry of Education completed 10,100, while legislators, through the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), contributed 3,100.
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He mentioned that 2,800 classrooms are at various stages of construction, with the Ministry targeting 11,000 classrooms to be completed before schools reopen.
Dr. Kipsang noted that some schools with low enrolment still require classrooms. He highlighted that NG-CDF, which aims to construct 6,800 classrooms, operates under a distinct approval process that affects the pace of construction.
“We still have almost 2,800 classrooms at various levels of construction. There will also be a few schools where the enrolment was low, but they still need a classroom,” said the PS.
Learning Materials Distribution
Dr. Kipsang emphasized the government’s commitment to providing adequate learning materials since the CBC’s introduction in 2017.
He confirmed that 9.9 million Grade Nine books have been printed, with 85% of schools already receiving the materials and distribution ongoing for the remaining 14%.
He stated that all learning levels, from Grade One to Grade Nine, have received necessary books, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
Public Support for Junior Secondary
Citing recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, Dr. Kipsang explained that 93% of Kenyans prefer their children to remain in primary schools for Junior Secondary Education.
He remarked that the CBC transition has been smooth despite initial challenges, all of which have been addressed effectively.
With the introduction of junior secondary schools within primary school settings, additional adjustments have become necessary. The inclusion of Grade 9 creates an extra class, adding pressure on existing infrastructure and resources.
Despite these hurdles, the ministry assured the public that schools are implementing mechanisms to provide a conducive learning environment.
Enhancements in Teacher Deployment
On staffing, Dr. Kipsang highlighted that the Teachers Service Commission has recruited 20,000 intern teachers and converted 46,000 interns to permanent and pensionable terms.
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Currently, over 80,000 teachers are deployed in Junior Secondary Schools. However, he acknowledged the need for more than 140,000 teachers and assured stakeholders that efforts to bridge this gap are ongoing.
He affirmed that schools have implemented adequate measures to facilitate uninterrupted learning.
Conclusion
With these developments in place, the education sector is poised for a smooth reopening, providing learners with the resources and support they need to succeed in the new term.
Education Ministry Affirms Grade 9 Smooth Transition as Schools Reopen for the New Term.
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