Public schools in Kericho County have opened their doors to Junior Secondary students with newly constructed classrooms ready for use marking a significant step forward in providing quality education and improving learning conditions across the county.
Speaking to KNA, Kericho County Director of Education, Mr. Julius Ngoneshi, confirmed the successful completion of 155 classrooms in 32 public schools during the first phase of the project.
He noted that phase two, comprising 160 classrooms for Grade 9 learners, is 93% complete affirming that the new classrooms are designed to offer spacious, modern, and conducive environment for Competency-Based-Curriculum learning.
“The Grade 9 classrooms are domiciled within public primary schools to ensure a seamless transition for learners,” Mr. Ngoneshi said.
The Director of Education added that the third phase of construction, which involves 21 classrooms, and the fourth phase, comprising 86 classrooms, are set to be completed within the next month.
In addition to the new facilities, Mr. Ngoneshi pointed out that 33 schools in Chaik and Kipchimchim zones had extra classrooms to accommodate the growing number of Grade 9 learners.
“Schools with extra classrooms due to transfers of students to private schools, will be used for grade 9 students, and those very old classrooms will be renovated” stressed Mr. Ngoneshi.
He disclosed that progress had been made in equipping public schools with learning materials, with 85% of textbooks already distributed to ensure learners study comfortably.
To support the increased student population in public schools, he revealed that a total of 477 new teachers had been recruited and deployed to various schools within the County.
“Students have reported for the first term smoothly, with no incidents reported. We wish all students and teachers a successful term and assure them of the government’s unwavering support,” Mr. Ngoneshi remarked.
By Kibe Mburu and Kelox Mutai
