Education Stakeholders Clash Over Hosting of Grade Nine Learners as Transition Nears
Controversy is raging over whether Grade Nine students should move to secondary schools or remain in primary schools.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu announced that the 1.3 million Grade Eight learners set to transition to Grade Nine in January will stay in primary schools, following the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) recommendations.
However, some officials believe that since there will be no Form One admissions next year, Grade Nine learners should occupy the vacant secondary school facilities.
Secondary School Principals’ Perspective
Secondary school principals have expressed readiness to host Grade Nine learners. Willy Kuria, chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association, stated that their institutions have adequate facilities and trained teachers, referencing the 10,000 classrooms built during CS George Magoha’s tenure.
Machogu emphasized that Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019, which outlines the 2-6-3-3-3 education structure, allows for three years in Junior Secondary, thus keeping Grade Nine in primary schools.
He noted that learners will transition to senior schools in 2026 and stressed that the decision to keep Grade Nine in primary schools is final.
Some ministry officials argue that PWPER’s recommendations do not reflect the reality. An unnamed official mentioned that no one is willing to contradict President Ruto’s stance that Grade Nine learners should stay in primary schools, despite concerns about a potential crisis.
Teacher Union Perspectives
Collins Oyuu, secretary general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), believes that the entire Junior Secondary School (JSS) should remain in primary schools.
He argued that the government needs to employ more teachers, construct additional classrooms, and address curriculum changes to handle the transition effectively.
Akello Misori, secretary general of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), feels that primary schools do not have space for Grade Nine and suggested constructing additional classrooms in secondary schools instead.
He also raised concerns about the delayed hiring of 20,000 new teachers and the confirmation of 46,000 interns.
Primary School Heads’ Opinion
Johnson Nzioka, chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association, asserted that primary schools have sufficient trained teachers and mobile laboratories to support Grade Nine. He urged secondary schools to focus on preparing for Grade 10 and noted government assurances about constructing more classrooms in primary schools.
Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang announced the construction of 9,000 Grade Nine classrooms in existing primary schools, with an additional 7,000 classrooms needed.
There are concerns about equipping these classrooms and the timely release of funds for desks and chairs. With 23,286 primary schools nationwide, more infrastructure is required to support JSS.
Recommendations from Education Experts
Emmanuel Manyasa, Executive Director of Usawa Agenda, suggested that Grade Nine learners should temporarily occupy vacant secondary school classrooms.
He proposed that sub-county secondary schools host JSS learners, while county schools and above handle senior students.
John Mugo, Executive Director of Zizi Afrique Foundation, cautioned against losing sight of JSS objectives during the transition.
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He stressed the importance of considering learners’ career growth and the original intent of keeping JSS in one compound to ensure their safety and proximity to parents.
Parents are concerned about their children’s safety in secondary schools, associating them with boarding institutions prone to arson and indiscipline.
The idea of keeping JSS learners in primary schools stems from the belief that 11 and 12-year-olds are too young to be in secondary schools, especially boarding ones.
Education Stakeholders Clash Over Hosting of Grade Nine Learners as Transition Nears
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