Gov’t To Spend Ksh.5B For JSS Laboratories
The government of Kenya has made a commitment to invest Ksh. 5 billion from the capitation fund towards the establishment of laboratories in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
This investment is seen as a necessary step towards ensuring adequate infrastructure and materials for the 1.2 million students who are transitioning to the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang emphasized the need for collaboration between all education stakeholders to ensure that students are prepared for the challenges of senior secondary school.
He acknowledged that some parents may be concerned about the transition, but emphasized that it is merely a means of monitoring and assessing student progress.
Kipsang also revealed that the Ministry of Education is working closely with Members of Parliament to encourage them to allocate part of their NG-CDF funds towards improving school infrastructure.
He believes that this collaboration will help to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for students in Kenya.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to invest Ksh. 5 billion towards the establishment of JSS laboratories is a significant step towards ensuring that students in Kenya receive a high-quality education.
This investment, in conjunction with efforts to improve school infrastructure and materials, will help to prepare students for the challenges of senior secondary school and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in their future endeavors.
As the first cohort of students began their Junior Secondary School education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), confusion reigned in many parts of the country.
Some parents chose to accompany their children to their new schools, seeking information about what was required, including the type of uniforms.
Despite this, a number of public schools displayed high levels of preparedness and cooperation from parents who ensured that their children arrived in brand new uniforms.
The exercise took place in 10,093 schools across 14 counties in the Rift Valley region and started off smoothly, with most schools reporting a high turnout of students enrolling for Grade Seven.
According to the Rift Valley Regional Director for Education, Mr Jared Obiero, 187 public and 1,242 private schools in the region did not meet the requirements and their students have been directed to enroll in the nearest approved facilities.
He also stated that some schools have come up with unique uniforms and others have allowed their students to attend in any decent civilian clothing.
In the Western region, 579 out of 3190 schools were not allowed to host Junior Secondary schools due to failing to meet set requirements.
The head teacher of Kakamega Hill School, Josphat Magala, said that they were expecting 170 pupils from schools that were not approved.
Some parents were concerned about the high cost of school uniforms, with some schools selling a pair for between Sh2500 and Sh3500.
The Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum and Development (KICD), Professor Charles Ong’ondo, was on hand to oversee the distribution of CBC books to Grade Seven students at Kakamega Primary School.
KICD will distribute 12 books per student, with an additional two optional books, to all public schools by the end of the week.
Professor Ong’ondo urged schools that did not qualify to host Junior Secondary schools to help parents and students transfer to nearby approved schools within a two-kilometer radius.
In Meru, some students reported to school in their old primary uniforms, while others wore civilian attire.
In Migori, parents held meetings with school heads, discussing the new school uniform and other requirements, including KPSEA report, birth certificate, parents ID, Bibles, exercise books, and pens.
In Kisii, the county director of education received books for Junior Secondary schools at Kisii Primary School and said that Kisii Central Sub County will have 4,488 students joining Junior Secondary.
The Nyanza Regional Director of Education, Nelson Sifuna, was glad to see that parents and teachers were giving CBC the support it deserved.
He said that the government would support public schools that lacked adequate facilities, including laboratories. In Trans Nzoia, some education stakeholders called on the government to allow P1 teachers to teach Junior Secondary students.
In Uasin Gishu County, some parents complained that they did not have the money to buy new uniforms for their children, even though they were given the specifications.
In Taita Taveta, dozens of Junior Secondary students were turned away for lack of registration fees and learning materials.
It also emerged that new teachers had not been posted to schools in the area, many of which lacked the necessary infrastructure.
In Bungoma, some schools were ready to receive the first cohort of Grade Seven students, while others were still unclear on the requirements, including uniforms.
In Meru, some parents were excited about the prospects of their children joining Junior Secondary schools.
Gov’t To Spend Ksh.5B For JSS Laboratories