Rising Costs of JSS Education Worry Civil Society.
Janet Ouko, a civil society representative, recently raised concerns regarding the rising fees for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking at a CBC engagement forum, Ouko pointed out that many schools in Nairobi are charging between 10,000 and 15,000 shillings for JSS enrollment.
She highlighted this as a significant issue, especially since CBC was introduced with promises of a cost-free transition to Junior Secondary School.
Ouko stressed that children as young as 12 years old should not be faced with such financial barriers when transitioning to JSS. She expressed her concern that this situation could lead to increased dropout rates.
“We cannot have 12-year-olds as dropouts in this country,” she stated, urging the government to ensure that the transition remains cost-free as was originally promised when CBC was introduced.
According to Ouko, the initial promises of the CBC included not only free education but also an end to ranking students based on their grades, yet these goals seem to be compromised by the financial demands now being placed on families.
Broader Issues with CBC Transitions
Ouko also raised broader issues with the CBC implementation, noting that the structure of the system, which includes transitions at various stages, is causing difficulties.
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She explained that the first major transition in the previous 8-4-4 system occurred when children were around 14 years old, whereas the CBC system sees children transitioning to Junior Secondary School at just 12.
She further pointed out that the process has not been smooth, with gaps in the system leading to dropout rates as children struggle to navigate from one grade to the next.
Her concerns were not only about school fees but also about the broader impact on education quality and access.
“What is the Ministry saying about this transition?” she asked, emphasizing the need for clear policy guidance. She also mentioned issues related to capitation, the government funding meant to support schools.
Ouko noted that while the government has made significant progress in constructing new classrooms, there is a discrepancy between the promised capitation of 15,000 shillings per student and the 4,000 shillings actually received by school heads.
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“Levis, the world over, is the biggest barrier to education,” she said, highlighting the critical role adequate funding plays in ensuring equitable access to education.
Ouko called for accountability in how capitation funds are distributed, urging the Ministry of Education to address these disparities.
Rising Costs of JSS Education Worry Civil Society.
