Government Commences Construction of 9,000 Classrooms for Grade Nine Learners.
The construction of 9,000 classrooms for Grade Nine learners has officially begun. The government has emphasized that schools must use the allocated funds exclusively for this purpose. Each classroom’s construction is estimated to cost Sh1 million, totaling approximately Sh9 billion for the entire project.
Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, announced that the government is implementing the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) program. Consequently, this initiative aims to reduce regional learning disparities, retain more girls in upper primary levels, and strengthen systems for equitable education outcomes. A circular dated June 13 was issued to Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education, outlining these details.
Dr. Kipsang stated that all schools hosting junior secondary sections will receive classrooms proportional to their enrollment. Furthermore, the Ministry has issued guidelines for the construction, emphasizing that schools must use funds designated for Grade 9 classrooms and Integrated Learning Resource Centres solely for their intended purposes.
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The first phase of this construction, funded by the World Bank, supports the transition of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, now in Grade 8, to Grade 9 next year. The government plans to build at least 16,000 classrooms for Grade 9 by January, with 9,000 funded by the World Bank at a cost of Sh9 billion. Additional classrooms financing will be through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), under the management of Members of the National Assembly.
These classrooms will align with the 2021 School Infrastructure Investment Plan (SIIP) and established standards for classroom construction. Moreover, to ensure efficiency and timely completion, schools benefiting from this project must open specific project accounts. Signatories for these accounts include the Chairpersons of the Board of Management (BoM), Junior School Committee, and Parents Association. The headteacher is a mandatory signatory for these accounts.
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Schools must complete construction within three months from the contract signing date. Additionally, the BoM must approve the infrastructure budget. Moreover, the school will only make payments for work completed within the Costed Bill of Quantities (BQs), and no one will issue certificates for work beyond what is actually done. Furthermore, schools cannot make variations without express authority from the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education.
Schools must adhere to the provided designs and Costed Bill of Quantities, thereby ensuring that the materials used meet specified quality standards. Additionally, schools must support and document financial and accounting documents related to the project, including payment vouchers, invoices, and bank statements. Additionally, each institution’s head must comply with the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act, 2015, and ensure classroom accessibility for persons with disabilities.
It is critical to consult stakeholders throughout the construction phases. Additionally, mandate environmental and social safeguards to manage risks and enhance the project’s performance. These safeguards should comprehensively cover child protection, learner safety, and waste management.
The project will be coordinated and implemented at various levels: national, regional, county, sub-county, and school levels. In addition, the Regional Directors of Education (RDEs) will supervise at the regional level. County Directors of Education (CDEs) will oversee at the county level. Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs) will manage at the sub-county and school levels.
Government Commences Construction of 9,000 Classrooms for Grade Nine Learners.
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