The government has so far spent Sh3.3 billion to put up CBC classrooms in schools across Rift Valley region ahead of January 2023 Junior secondary school transition.
Rift Valley Regional Director of Education Jared Obiero said the government targeted to put up 2,715 classrooms in the vast region in two phases.
Obiero said he was happy that 1,735 classrooms constructed in the first phase of the CBC infrastructure project were already complete and handed over to the respective schools’ management.
The Education Director explained that the second phase of the project was on-going with 238 classrooms out of the targeted 980, already completed and handed over to the concerned schools.
He however noted that construction of two classrooms at Muchongoi area of Marigat in Baringo County was yet to kick-off, but assured that plans were underway to commence the construction before the end of the year.
While appreciating the progress made in the project, the Director said the contractors were working around the clock to ensure they complete the work on time ahead of the transition of grade six learners to junior secondary school level in the coming year.
“We are confident that all the classrooms will be ready for use before the end of this year,” Obiero assured.
Consequently, Obiero commended the commitment demonstrated by both the contractors and the Education Ministry officials in ensuring that the project was completed as scheduled and appealed to parents to continue supporting government efforts in making the CBC curriculum a success.
The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) was researched and developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to replace the 8-4-4 education system. The system was introduced in the year 2017 consisting of a 2-6-3-3-3 education cycle. However the system required more classrooms to enable smooth transition which led to the establishment of the CBC infrastructure project.
To ensure the local community benefited from the change, the government directed that only the local contractors would be eligible to secure the tenders in the construction of classrooms.
Specifications guiding the programme stated that the cost of building a single classroom would be constant in all counties standing at Sh788, 000.
County and Sub-county committees were charged with monitoring the progress of the schools infrastructure development. In the committees, chiefs were to ensure the contractors stick to the set qualities and standards. They are expected to file daily reports as the local artisans continue with the construction works.
By Esther Mwangi and Rachael
