Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has outlined key steps undertaken by his ministry to ensure a seamless transition to grade 9 in the next academic year under the new Competence Based Curriculum (CBC).
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, CS Ogamba indicated that his ministry had identified 16,000 new classrooms as essential for accommodating incoming Grade 9 students.
The CS detailed that phase one, which commenced in August and comprises 3,500 classrooms. According to the CS, Ksh3.5 billion in investment has so far been spent on the project.
He further outlined that there are 7,500 classrooms that are in progress, costing Ksh7.5 billion, with completion expected by December this year.
Ogamba highlighted additional Ksh3.4 billion allocations to the NG-CDF for constructing 6,800 classrooms, a venture that promises to match funding with local contributions.
Education CS assured the Senators that his docket is partnering with all stakeholders to ensure the country is ready for that transition in 2025.
His sentiments echo what President William Ruto said on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, where he assured the country that his administration had taken considerate steps to ensure students receive the required material during the transition to grade 9.
“There will be a book for every subject for every learner. This will ensure that the transition is complete and effective,” Ruto announced.
Intern promotions
At the same time, the CS addressed the issue of interns who have prominently featured in various discussions this year. Recruitment being one of the areas of concern, CS Ogamba explained that the ministry applies set guidelines prioritizing qualifications, regional equity, and gender diversity in the selection process.
His sentiments come a week after Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nancy Macharia announced that all serving interns will be employed by 2025.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Macharia assured the serving interns that they would be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms of service starting January 2025.
“All serving teacher interns will be employed on permanent and pensionable terms of service by January,” she said, noting that the employment forms have already been issued.
In a statement shared by the Parliament, Macharia assured lawmakers that the commission had received Ksh13.4 billion to facilitate the transition of the interns.
All the arrangements for transition come even as the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examinations ended on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
KPSEA commenced on Monday, October 28, 2024, with a total of 1,303,913 Grade 6 pupils across Kenya sitting for the exam.
KPSEA aims to facilitate the transition to Junior Secondary School.
