Government Eases Concerns Over Grade 9 Rollout, Allocates Ksh.11B for Classrooms

Government Eases Concerns Over Grade 9 Rollout, Allocates Ksh.11B for Classrooms.

The Ministry of Education has assured parents and stakeholders in the education sector that the transition of Grade 9 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) will proceed smoothly.

With schools set to reopen in less than a month, many schools are reportedly unprepared to accommodate the pioneer Grade 9 learners in January 2025.

Progress in Infrastructure Development

Classroom Construction

The Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang’, reported that the construction of 11,000 classrooms is ongoing nationwide. The government allocated Ksh.11 billion for this initiative, with each classroom costing Ksh.1 million.

• Phase 1 Progress: 98% complete, involving 3,500 classrooms.
• Phase 2 Progress: 70% complete, targeting 7,500 classrooms.

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School heads were directed to ensure proper use of the funds for classroom construction.

Textbook Distribution

To support Grade 9 learners:

• Textbooks procured: 9.9 million.
• Textbooks distributed: Over 5 million delivered to schools.

Teacher Recruitment and Training

Employment and Retooling

• New Teachers Employed: 20,000 teachers for Grade 9.
• Retooled Teachers: 60,000 trained to handle Grade 9 under the CBC curriculum.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos emphasized that teacher retooling and recruitment efforts are ongoing, ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, 46,000 teachers have been placed on permanent and pensionable terms.

Capitation Grants for Junior Secondary Schools

The Ministry of Education confirmed the preparation of capitation grants for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Ahead of the January opening:

• Capitation Released: Ksh.15.3 billion distributed to 20,314 junior secondary schools.
• Efforts are underway with the Treasury to ensure timely disbursement of additional funds before schools reopen to prevent operational challenges for teachers and headteachers.

Differing Opinions on Grade 9 Placement

The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (2023) recommended domiciling JSS in existing primary schools.

This decision has sparked debate, with critics arguing that Grade 9 should be placed in secondary schools where Form One classrooms will remain vacant next year.

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Education Cabinet Secretary Migos assured the public that all challenges related to infrastructure, teacher readiness, and learning materials are being addressed to ensure a smooth transition for Grade 9 learners.

The ministry remains confident that preparations will be finalized on time.

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