Gov’t to spend Ksh12.8B to construct junior school classrooms
By Francis Muli, January 8, 2024The government has announced that it will spend at least Ksh12 billion to construct new classrooms for junior schools before 2025.
Speaking on Tuesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel admitted that there is a strain on resources at the schools, even as the first cohort of students transitions to Grade Eight under the new curriculum.
“This year, our first cohort of the CBC will be transitioning to Grade 8 under the Junior School. Although we are all so excited at this milestone, we are also aware that the cohort will be transitioning to Grade 9 in 2025 and would be expected to pose a massive strain to existing infrastructure,” Machogu stated.
Machogu said the government will work with MPs to construct at least 15,000 by 2025.
“To preempt this crisis, the Government is set to spend Sh12.8 Billion to facilitate the construction of classrooms in junior schools in conjunction with Members of Parliament. Through these funds, we expect to have 15,015 classrooms ready for use in junior schools for Grade 9 next year,” Machogu added.
Junior school capitation
Machogu announced that the National Treasury had released Ksh31.34 billion to support learners enrolled in all schools.
“These funds have effectively cleared the way for a smooth opening of schools for the First Term of the 2024 Calendar Year countrywide today,” he added.
Ksh4.74 will be used to sponsor free primary education, Ksh7.6 billion for junior schools, Ksh2.8 billion for examination and invigilation and Ksh16.2 billion for free day secondary education.