15,000 Grade 9 Classrooms And Laboratories Construction in Primary Schools Set to Begin
The government plans to construct at least 15,000 classrooms and laboratories by the end of this year to accommodate the final class in Junior Secondary School, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
Machogu announced that the government, in collaboration with Members of Parliament, is allocating Sh12 billion for the construction of these classrooms. The CS stated, “We expect to have 15,015 classrooms ready for use in junior schools for Grade 9 this year.”
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In December, Machogu revealed that the World Bank would contribute an additional Sh9 billion to construct 9,000 Junior Secondary School classrooms. The government, on the other hand, will contribute Sh3.9 billion for the project. Legislators will also play a role in building additional classes through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) kitty.
Machogu emphasized the importance of providing necessary infrastructure for schools, stating, “We are taking steps to ensure that our schools have the necessary infrastructure, where our teachers and learners can effectively perform.” The Ministry of Education has already trained primary school headteachers to oversee the funds allocated for building the classrooms.
The transition of current Grade 8 learners to Grade 9 in January next year is part of the plan to complete their junior level. Meanwhile, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) clarified that Grade Nine remains in Junior School, contrary to reports suggesting a move to Senior School.
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KICD Chief Executive Prof Charles Ong’ondo dismissed rumors of relocating learners to high school, stating, “Parents, teachers, and learners should not panic as the rumors do not hold any water.” He explained that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) structure follows cognitive developmental theory, with a 2-6-3-3 arrangement: two years in pre-primary, six in primary, three in Junior School, and three in Senior School.
Ong’ondo elaborated on the cognitive development stages, emphasizing that the CBC system aligns with the Basic Education Curriculum Framework. He stressed the importance of Junior School (ages 12 to 14) as a stage where learners are exposed to a broad-based curriculum before focusing on their interests in Senior School (ages 15 to 17). Ong’ondo emphasized the flexibility of CBC, providing education pathways for talent identification and nurturing.
Regarding curriculum changes, KICD has reviewed designs in line with rationalized learning areas. Teachers are expected to use the revised designs for implementing the curriculum. The Ministry of Education has authorized KICD to call for Grades One, Two, and Three books, coinciding with the technical lifespan of the curriculum and following the UNESCO rule of curriculum review after five years.
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15,000 Grade 9 Classrooms And Laboratories Construction in Primary Schools Set to Begin
