Government Prepared for Grade 9 Rollout in 2025, Says CS Migos Ogamba.
The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Migos Ogamba, has emphasized the government’s preparedness for the seamless rollout of Grade 9 next year.
Speaking in Homa Bay County, the CS clarified the decision to domicile Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in primary schools and outlined ongoing efforts to improve the education sector.
The CS confirmed that Grade 9 textbooks have been prepared and are in the process of being distributed. He assured head teachers that all books would reach their schools by December 15.
He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring timely delivery, urging patience for any schools yet to receive their materials.
The Ministry of Education has confirmed 46,000 JSS teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. This move fulfills the promise made to the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
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Additionally, the CS announced plans to hire 20,000 more teachers to address staffing shortages and enhance education quality. He commended stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in these initiatives.
New Classrooms and Infrastructure Development
While inaugurating Grade 9 classrooms at Ober Boys Boarding Comprehensive School in Rachuonyo Sub-County, the CS highlighted infrastructure achievements.
The classrooms, built at a cost of KSh 4 million under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) program funded by the World Bank and the Kenyan government, are fully equipped.
“Each class room was taking one million shillings, if you are doing four classrooms you get sh 4 million, if you are doing two you get Sh 2 million and that devolution of resources has made it possible to this project to be done in record time,” the CS said.
Ober Boys Boarding School, which has 781 students, is transitioning 241 students to Grade 9. The CS reiterated that the completed projects meet required standards, despite criticisms regarding project delays in some regions.
The CS underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to tackle challenges in the education sector. He called for mutual support, asserting that teamwork would yield solutions to prevailing issues.
Beyond classrooms, the ministry plans to construct laboratories next year to support practical learning in JSS.
Domiciling JSS in Primary Schools
The CS clarified that the decision to domicile JSS in primary schools was not made arbitrarily but resulted from nationwide consultations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).
Public participation informed the need to construct 16,000 classrooms to facilitate the transition to Grades 8 and 9.
The construction cost per classroom was pegged at KSh 1 million, with resources devolved to local school management teams. This approach allowed for swift project completion, often within eight weeks.
The CS praised the efficient management of construction projects, noting that the classrooms were completed without delays, cost variations, or other complications. He extended gratitude to school management boards, Boards of Management (BOMs), and support teams for their dedication.
Progress in Rachuonyo Sub-County
In Rachuonyo East Sub-County, the first phase of classroom construction under the KPEEL program is complete. Beneficiary schools include Ober (four classrooms), Ringa Primary (four classrooms), Othoro Primary (three classrooms), and Kilusi Primary (two classrooms).
Phases two and three, consisting of 20 and 8 classrooms, are expected to conclude by December 2024, according to Sub-County Director of Education Kennedy Gekera.
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The CS was joined at the event by Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan, county education officials, and other guests. He urged school management teams to continue their commendable work, confident that their efforts are yielding positive results in the education sector.
Government Prepared for Grade 9 Rollout in 2025, Says CS Migos Ogamba.
