Ministry of Education: Grade 9 CBC Students to Remain in Primary Schools

Ministry of Education: Grade 9 CBC Students to Remain in Primary Schools

Some stakeholders proposed transferring the last grade of the competency-based curriculum (CBC) to secondary schools, but the Ministry of Education rejected it.

This decision implies that the CBC’s inaugural class will remain in their existing institutions when they enter Grade 9 next year. The move provides clarity and eliminates uncertainty about the graduating class’s future migration.

Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, addressed concerns regarding junior schools’ readiness to accept Grade 9 learners.

He admitted that the next shift would be difficult but reassured that the government had begun construction of 16,000 classrooms to accommodate the Grade 9 cohort. Kipsang stressed preparedness, saying, “We are ready for Grade 9 next year.”

“The construction of 16,000 classrooms has begun; it will be a difficult process, but Kenyans are resilient.”

Kipsang reiterated at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) during a stakeholder engagement session on senior school preparation and teacher education enhancement that housing junior school within primary institutions is consistent with the consensus reached during consultations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.

According to the Working Party, 93% of Kenyans support incorporating junior school into elementary schools.

This decision by the ministry disregards the efforts of some stakeholders who advocate for relocation. Parents recently made new requests to shift Grade 9 kids to secondary schools next year, breaking away from the current practice of having all three junior secondary years in primary schools.

Silas Obuhatsa, Chairman of the National Parents Association, voiced worry about the readiness of schools hosting junior schools for the impending challenges of Grade 9.

He questioned the government’s ability to build the requisite 15,000 classrooms within the timeframe. Obuhatsa mentioned the probable surplus of space in secondary schools due to the absence of Form One admissions next year, implying that this is a realistic solution.

In February, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) recommended separating junior secondary schools into primary and secondary schools.

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Kuppet suggested preserving Grades 7 and 8 in primary schools while transferring Grade 9 to high school. Akello Misori, Kuppet’s secretary general, underlined the need for changes, citing considerable obstacles in the existing implementation of junior secondary education.

The union asserted that challenges plagued the one-year implementation of junior secondary education, warranting a review. Obuhatsa expressed similar comments, highlighting the importance of critical review and future reforms.

Ministry of Education: Grade 9 CBC Students to Remain in Primary Schools

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