Grade 9 Preparations Lag Behind as Schools Await Funds.
With less than a month to the start of the school year on January 6, 2025, many schools remain unprepared to accommodate Grade 9 learners, according to a Nation spot check.
Construction of classrooms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is ongoing in some institutions but has yet to begin in others, while in some cases, progress is behind schedule.
School principals reported delays in the release of government funds, which has significantly affected the progress of construction projects.
Concerns about poor workmanship have also been raised, as contractors are struggling with limited budgets and time constraints, with some reportedly working without funds.
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The junior school section, which will expand to three classes in January, remains severely understaffed. Despite the recruitment of 46,000 teachers since the start of junior school in 2023, the conversion of teachers from contract to permanent positions has not alleviated the shortage.
Regional Breakdown of Challenges
Laikipia County
In Laikipia County, 147 schools are awaiting government funds to commence classroom construction. Only 33 classrooms have been completed so far, despite a budget of Sh1 million per classroom, an increase from previous allocations.
Deputy Director of Education Felix Hamadi noted that the first phase, involving 31 classrooms, is nearing completion, while the second phase, targeting 75 classrooms, is at various stages of progress.
Meanwhile, the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) pledged to build classrooms in 28 schools, but work is incomplete in eight institutions.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) assistant secretary Anthony Mathenge expressed concern over the dire situation, highlighting the lack of funds allocated to certain schools.
Nyeri County
In Nyeri County’s Mathira constituency, construction is progressing well, with schools such as Karatina DEB and Kirigu reporting 70% completion. Site supervisors expressed confidence that the classrooms would be ready by January.
North Rift Region
Schools in the North Rift, including Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, are experiencing delays due to insufficient funding. At Miskwony Primary School in West Pokot, no funds have been received, while Muinoi Primary School has managed to commence work with Sh2 million.
In Trans Nzoia County, seven classrooms are under construction at Kitale School to accommodate 420 learners. Chetoto Primary School, however, struggles with a slow pace of construction and inadequate staffing, with only one teacher assigned for Grade 9.
Coast Region
In Mombasa County, Concordia Comprehensive School has completed nine classrooms, and textbooks have been delivered. The headmistress confirmed that they are ready for the new class, with two new teachers already assigned.
At Mtopanga Comprehensive School, construction is ongoing, with head teacher Evans Mwachia optimistic about meeting the Christmas deadline. Four new teachers have also been posted to the school.
In Kwale, laboratories and classrooms are under construction at Mwakwigwena Primary School. Textbooks have been delivered, and four classrooms have been fitted with glass windows and metal doors.
Lamu County faces delays in some areas due to logistical challenges. While 31 classrooms have been completed in the first phase, the second phase aims to deliver 39 classrooms by next month. Contractors cited funding delays as a major setback.
Struggles in Other Regions
Taita Taveta County
In Taita Taveta County, construction is ongoing at schools like Mwamunga and Mwanyambo. However, the county faces challenges in staffing, with schools requiring more teachers to handle increased enrollment.
Samburu County
In Samburu County, Maralal DEB Primary School is grappling with resource shortages, including classrooms and teaching staff. Designed to accommodate 366 learners, the school currently has only three teachers for Grade 9 and requires seven additional classrooms.
Nyandarua County
In Nyandarua, schools like Umoja Mbuyu Primary are dealing with overcrowding, with students in Grades 5 and 6 forced to share a single classroom.
Board members and parents voiced concerns about delays in classroom construction, leaving learners in limbo.
Call for Urgent Action
The situation across the country highlights significant gaps in infrastructure, funding, and staffing as schools race to prepare for the next academic year.
Stakeholders are urging the government to expedite the release of funds and address teacher shortages to ensure a smooth transition for Grade 9 learners.
Grade 9 Preparations Lag Behind as Schools Await Funds.
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