Government Assures Completion of Grade Nine Classrooms Ahead of January 2024.
The Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Belio Kipsang, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the completion of grade nine classrooms before schools reopen in January next year.
Speaking in Meru County after overseeing the opening of the KCSE examination container, Dr. Kipsang detailed the government’s progress and future plans for classroom construction under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework.
The PS reported that 3,500 classrooms have been successfully completed during the first phase of the project. In the ongoing second phase, an additional 7,500 classrooms are at various stages of completion, ranging from 40% to 90%.
These are expected to be finalized by December 15, bringing the total number of grade nine classrooms to 11,000.
To bolster these efforts, the national government has allocated Sh2 billion to construct 2,000 more classrooms, ensuring that sufficient infrastructure is in place to accommodate learners transitioning to grade nine.
Additional Funding and Partner Contributions
Dr. Kipsang highlighted the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) in expanding the classroom initiative. MPs have access to Sh6.8 billion earmarked for the construction of 7,000 classrooms under the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
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The funding comprises a conditional government grant of Sh3.4 billion, matched by an equivalent amount from NG-CDF resources. This contribution is expected to raise the total number of classrooms to 18,000.
The government has also engaged development partners to secure an additional Sh2 billion, enabling the construction of another 2,000 classrooms.
These measures aim to address any unforeseen challenges and accommodate potential increases in student enrollment.
Contingency Planning for January
The PS assured parents that the government is prepared to handle exceptional cases that may arise in January.
While acknowledging that some schools might face infrastructure gaps due to population migration or unexpected enrollment surges, he expressed confidence in the capacity to address such issues using the newly planned classrooms.
Dr. Kipsang emphasized the government’s focus on maintaining a seamless transition to the CBC curriculum, reassuring stakeholders that all plans remain on schedule.
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These efforts, he stated, demonstrate the government’s resolve to deliver quality education infrastructure across the country.
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure no child is left behind as Kenya moves forward with its educational reforms.
Government Assures Completion of Grade Nine Classrooms Ahead of January 2024.
