Education Principal Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang, has delayed the commissioning of a Grade 9 classroom at Barracks Primary School in Isiolo County, directing the construction of three additional classrooms within the next three to four months.
Dr. Kipsang announced that he would return to commission all four classrooms once the project is completed. He noted that the school committee had assured him that the necessary funds are available to finalize the construction.
The decision to expand the project was prompted by the need to accommodate 200 students transitioning to Grade 9. The school, located on a military ground, requires more space to meet the recommended class size of 50 pupils per classroom.
“We will be back soon to commission all four classrooms once they are completed, as per the assurances given by the school board,” Dr. Kipsang stated.
Government Support for Grade 9 and Junior Secondary Transition
The Principal Secretary highlighted that Grade 9 textbooks have already been distributed to schools. Each student will receive nine textbooks, covering all subjects in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
To support the transition of Grade 9 learners, the government plans to hire 20,000 intern teachers and permanently employ 46,000 existing contract teachers. Dr. Kipsang also mentioned that some primary school teachers would be promoted to meet the target of 90,000 educators needed for Junior Secondary next year.
He further added that the government has prepared guidelines for Grade 10 and is committed to the successful implementation of the new education system. Additionally, plans are underway to fund the construction of 1,600 science laboratories in secondary schools between January and April next year to enhance STEM education.
Measures to Curb KCSE Examination Malpractice
Addressing concerns about ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, Dr. Kipsang revealed new security measures to prevent malpractice. Candidates’ details and photographs are now printed directly on the question papers. This approach aims to hold individuals accountable if they allow others to use their exam papers, reducing incidents of unauthorized photocopying or excess printing.
The KCSE examinations, which started on October 22, are scheduled to conclude this Friday, November 17.
