Kenya’s Ministries of Education and Health Collaborate to Enroll Learners in Taifa Care Program
The Kenyan Ministries of Education and Health have teamed up to facilitate the registration of parents and learners in the Taifa Care program, an initiative spearheaded by the Social Health Authority (SHA). The registration aims to promote equitable access to healthcare, ensuring that no student is left behind.
To accommodate this initiative, learning activities in public schools across Mombasa were temporarily suspended. The registration exercise was conducted by Community Health Promoters, with parents accompanying their children to school for the process.
Birth Certificate Registration
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba highlighted that the exercise also involves collecting data on learners without birth certificates. This initiative will enable the Ministry of Interior to expedite the issuance of these essential documents.
“A healthy nation is a productive nation. Education and health go hand in hand to ensure national development,” Ogamba stated during his visit to Migadini Junior Secondary School (JSS).
Infrastructure Development and Seamless Transition to JSS
In addition to the registration drive, CS Ogamba commissioned 11 new JSS classrooms under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning Program (KPEEL). These facilities were constructed in Changamwe Sub-County at Umoja St. Charles Lwanga and Migadini schools.
Ogamba expressed satisfaction with the smooth transition of learners from Grade Six to Grade Seven, noting that most schools have successfully adapted. At Umoja JSS, for example, 176 students sat for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, with only six yet to report. The area chief has been tasked with tracking these students to achieve a 100% transition rate.
Government Commitment to Education Services
The CS emphasized the government’s whole-of-government approach to providing essential services, reassuring stakeholders that all efforts are being made to support education and health sectors.
Addressing financial concerns, Ogamba acknowledged the delays in capitation funds, explaining that while schools were supposed to receive KSh 48 billion, KSh 19 billion was disbursed earlier this week, with an additional KSh 15 billion set to be released shortly. He assured schools that the remaining funds would be available within two weeks.
Headteachers were instructed not to send students home, as funds had already started reaching schools.
Adequate Staffing and Learning Resources
Ogamba dispelled concerns regarding teacher shortages, stating that the government has employed 76,000 teachers, while an additional 70,000 teachers have been retooled through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
He further assured that learning materials are sufficiently available, citing an example where every student at Migadini JSS has been provided with textbooks in a 1:1 ratio for each subject.
Infrastructure Expansion Plans
To date, the Ministry of Education has constructed 14,500 JSS classrooms, nearing its target of 16,000. The remaining classrooms are expected to be completed by the end of January.
Furthermore, the government is set to embark on the construction of 1,600 science laboratories to enhance practical learning and exposure to STEM subjects. An additional 7,800 classrooms are also planned to ensure all schools have adequate infrastructure.
Conclusion
The partnership between the Ministries of Education and Health is a significant step toward ensuring equal access to healthcare and education for all students in Kenya. With robust infrastructure development, financial support, and teacher recruitment, the government is committed to building a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
