Over 14500 Grade 9 Classrooms Completed Across Kenya Says Education Cs Julius Ogamba
Kenya has made significant strides in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with 14,500 out of the required 16,000 classrooms for Grade 9 learners already completed. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has assured the public that all remaining Junior Secondary School (JSS) classrooms will be ready by the end of the month.
Speaking during the commissioning of Grade 9 classrooms in Sotik and Konoin, Bomet County, CS Ogamba emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for learners entering Grade 9. He highlighted the use of a multi-agency approach to address any challenges in infrastructure delivery.
“In cases where there are challenges, they should be escalated and resolved promptly, including merging lower-grade classes temporarily to ensure Grade 9 learners are accommodated,” Ogamba stated.
To support the curriculum rollout, 9.9 million textbooks covering all learning areas have been distributed, ensuring every student receives a book in a 1:1 ratio. Distribution is still ongoing in some regions facing logistical delays.
CS Ogamba also announced the recruitment of nearly 76,000 teachers for Junior Secondary Schools. In areas experiencing teacher shortages, primary school teachers with relevant competencies have been reassigned to teach JSS classes.
Reiterating the government’s dedication to achieving a 100% transition rate from Grade 6 to 7, Ogamba urged teachers to prioritize students’ education, advising them not to turn away learners due to a lack of uniforms or other requirements, allowing families time to make necessary arrangements.
During his visit to Mogoywet, Ndanai, Chepkochun, and Chorwet Comprehensive Schools, Ogamba was accompanied by Sotik MP Francis Sigei and Konoin MP Brighton Yegon. The MPs praised the initiative but called for additional funding in the supplementary budget to provide desks, as they were not included in the initial classroom construction budget.
The Ministry of Education has disbursed KSh11 billion for the construction of 11,000 classrooms, complemented by KSh7.8 billion from the national treasury allocated to the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for constructing 5,000 additional classrooms. This effort underscores the government’s focus on strengthening educational infrastructure and facilitating the CBC transition.
