Grade 9 Transition Faces Uncertainty with Just Months to Go.
As the January transition to Grade 9 approaches, the construction of at least 5,000 additional classrooms remains uncertain.
With fewer than 100 days left, time is running out, and many schools are ill-prepared to accommodate the incoming learners.
A nationwide assessment by the Ministry of Education has revealed a classroom shortfall of over 16,000.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, in a presentation to the National Assembly’s Education Committee, reported that the government has secured World Bank funding for 11,000 classrooms.
These will be built in two phases, with 3,500 classrooms already 70% complete in the first phase.
The second phase, costing Sh7.5 billion, will cover the construction of 7,500 classrooms and is expected to conclude by December.
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However, even with these efforts, schools will still face a deficit of 5,000 classrooms.
The Education Ministry plans to finance the construction of these classrooms through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Delay in NG-CDF Funding
The construction of the remaining 5,000 classrooms has been delayed due to the slow disbursement of funds allocated to the NG-CDF. Sh3.37 billion has been set aside for this purpose, but the National Treasury has yet to release the funds.
The Ministry is working with the Treasury to ensure timely disbursement, according to Ogamba’s report to Parliament last week.
In addition to classrooms, schools will require basic supplies such as furniture for the incoming Grade 9 students.
Johnson Nzioka, the chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association, highlighted the need for chairs and desks.
CS Ogamba noted that school heads would be expected to use part of the capitation funds, provided through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), to purchase these items.
Each public junior school currently receives Sh15,043 per learner annually, with Sh4,000 earmarked for repairs and infrastructure improvements.
The Ministry has directed that this term’s allocation under this vote head be used exclusively for furniture for Grade 9 students.
However, Nzioka mentioned that some schools have already allocated and used these funds for other needs.
Parental Concerns and Resource Sharing
Nicholas Maiyo, Chairman of the National Parents Association, expressed concern that the lack of basic supplies would place a financial burden on parents.
He suggested that secondary schools, which will not have Form One classes next year, could share surplus desks and chairs with junior schools.
Teacher Shortages and Workload Concerns
Uncertainty also looms over the availability of teachers for junior school. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) data shows that 60,000 teachers are currently handling Grade 7 and 8 classes.
These teachers have raised concerns about the increased workload, with many being forced to teach additional classes in subjects they are not trained for.
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Boniface Omari, a representative of Nairobi Junior School interns, warned of a potential surge in the workload when schools reopen in January.
Although the TSC has planned to hire 20,000 new interns, delays in the recruitment process could mean that these teachers may not report until after January, leaving current interns to manage the increased workload.
Grade 9 Transition Faces Uncertainty with Just Months to Go.
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