More 7,200 Classrooms , as CBC Takes Shape
By Timothy Kiplimo
Ministry of education is flexing up to build more 7,200 classrooms across the country as CBC education takes shape and grade 10 expected to join senior school next year.
According to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, the ministry has so far accomplished construction of 16,000 classrooms across the country, which is a super boost to implementation of the new curriculum.
“Upon doing the 16,000 we did reassessment and realized that there were quite a number of schools who may be having 10 students, 11 students in grade 9, and since they have students, we said we must do classes even for those 10…” added Dr. Belio
The 7,200 classrooms are expected to be done between Jan-March 2025.
Phase one and two of the construction saw 16,000 classes being done, with phase three and four targeting 7,200 classrooms.
In addition to employment of 20,000 teachers to enhance capacity building in junior schools in the country, the PS pointed that the ministry through KICD has already distributed 9.9 million books for grade 9 learners.
Last week, the ministry met Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) as sensitization in preparation for transition from grade 9 to grade 10 begins, with the PS assuring that transition guidelines on placement, selection and admission to grade 10 are already in place.
The ministry is planning to onset public and stakeholders’ engagement across all 47 counties beginning the month of march, to get public views and sensitization on the new guidelines on placement and admission of grade 10 students.
“This time, the way that kids will be placed in senior school is totally different from the way that they were placing form ones.
Form ones were only choosing schools but for this, the kid has to first identify the path way, whether they want to do science, humanities, arts and sports etc. so before they choose a school, they have to identify themselves with a path way…” said Dr. Belio
It is through the pathway guide that the students will know whether the school of their choice provide that pathway.
Grade 9 students are expected to have known and chosen their path way by the month of May this year before transitioning to grade 10 next year, to respective schools that provide their pathway.
“This year we separated registration of examination from choosing schools so that our kids can register for the exam without the pressure of having to choose schools, so that choosing schools will be totally independent, that parents, teachers and the children will have enough time to engage and for parents and teachers to support these students in identifying their interest, their strength and the areas that they want to pursue when they go to senior school…” noted Dr. Belio
Dr. Belio was speaking at Moi Girls High School, Eldoret during an assessment tour to various schools in Ainabkoi sub-county in Uasin Gishu county.
Moi Girls High School, Eldoret Chief Principal Mrs. Juliana Kirui assured the parents that, they have put everything in place to ensure that they provide quality education to grade 10 who will pursue Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) pathway.
“We are committed to this course. That as teachers, non-teaching staff, board of management, as parents of Moi Girls, we are very clear about the mandate given to us. The girls who come to our school, is our responsibility to ensure we churn out ladies of substance…” added Mrs. Kirui
Dr. Belio mourned the demise of Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) chair Johnson Nzioka who died Sunday Morning in a grisly road accident.
Belio termed Nzioka as a huge pillar in CBC transition and management. He played a key role is sensitizing headteachers to settle junior school who were domiciled in primary schools.
“As a country, we have lost a very dedicated servant, huge educationalist who has made a huge difference in the way, that we were able to transition from 8-4-4 to CBC, may his soul rest in eternal peace…” Dr. Belio.
The PS was accompanied by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, key ministry officials among other dignitaries.
