Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Julius Ogamba, has assured that the construction of classrooms designated for Grade 9 is underway in phases.
He noted that the first 3,500 classrooms are reportedly complete, while the second phase, comprising 7,500 classrooms, stands at 57 percent completion, and a third phase of 5,000 classrooms is in various stages of construction.
The CS was speaking today when he supervised the distribution of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) container at the Kabete Deputy County Commissioner’s Office.
“We anticipate, and we are looking forward to ensuring that by the time we open schools in January, the 16,000 classrooms that were assessed will be in place,” said Ogamba.
On educational materials, Ogamba noted that textbooks for Grade 9 have already been published, with distribution ongoing since October.
The Ministry, he noted, is pushing to ensure that each student will have access to a textbook by the start of the term.
“We have asked principals and deputies to remain at school to receive these books during the break so that the one-to-one textbook ratio is achieved,” he stated.
The CS also addressed the issue of teacher deployment, noting that 20,000 new teachers are being recruited to meet the demands of the new curriculum.
Additionally, Ogamba confirmed that 46,000 teachers have been made permanent and pensionable, with ongoing retooling efforts by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to adequately staff Grade 9 classrooms.
“Together with TSC, we’re working to meet these staffing needs to ensure Grade 9 learners receive the required instruction,” he added.
Ogamba’s visit comes as KCSE exams approach their final week, with additional security measures in place to ensure the credibility of this year’s examinations.
Ogamba emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to the integrity of this year’s exams while also highlighting key developments for Grade 9 classrooms and resources.
The CS also addressed concerns about exam malpractice and confirmed multiple arrests of individuals in Siaya and Eldoret who allegedly attempted to interfere with the KCSE exams.
“So far, there are a number of arrests that have taken place. I want to inform Kenyans that once the investigations and the arrests are done, we will be able to reveal the extent of the cartels that are involved in these particular attempts and proceed with the prosecutions and ensure that whoever is involved faces the full force of the law,” Ogamba said.
The government is prepared to transition grade 8 students to grade 9 under the new Competence Based Curriculum (CBC), with ongoing preparations for the Grade 9 curriculum set to commence in January.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
