Intense Debate Erupts Over Placement of Grade Nine Students as Transition Approaches.
The debate on whether Grade Nine students should stay in primary schools or transition to secondary schools is intensifying. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that the 1.3 million Grade Eight learners, set to transition to Grade Nine in January, will remain in primary schools. This decision aligns with the recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).
Despite Machogu’s stance, some Education Ministry officials argue that since there will be no Form One admissions in January next year, Grade Nine learners should utilize the secondary school facilities that will otherwise remain unused. Secondary school principals support this idea, stating that they will have vacant classrooms ready to host Grade Nine students.
During the last national conference for principals, Willy Kuria, the national chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association, expressed readiness to host Grade Nine. He emphasized that secondary schools have adequate facilities and trained teachers, referencing the 10,000 classrooms built in high schools during the tenure of former CS George Magoha.
Government’s Position on Education Structure
CS Machogu reiterated that Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019 supports the 2-6-3-3-3 education structure, allowing learners to spend three years in Junior Secondary. The PWPER affirmed this, recommending that Junior Secondary remain in primary schools. Machogu stressed that these learners would sit for exams next year and transition to senior schools in 2026, clarifying that Grade Nine should not move to secondary schools.
However, some stakeholders argue that the PWPER’s proposals do not reflect the ground realities. An unnamed Education Ministry official expressed concerns that the president might not have a complete picture of the situation. He suggested that someone needs to inform the president about the looming crisis to save the children’s education.
Follow us on X: Education Point Kenya.
The transition in January will mark the first cohort of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) learners joining Grade Nine. Collins Oyuu, the secretary-general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), believes Junior Secondary should remain in primary schools. He pointed out that the primary focus during reform deliberations was on physical infrastructure for teaching and learning. Oyuu called for the government to hire more teachers, construct an additional classroom, and address curriculum changes to facilitate the transition.
Opposing Views from Kuppet
Akello Misori, secretary-general of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), disagreed, saying primary schools do not have the space for Grade Nine. He noted that primary schools currently have classes one to eight, lacking the necessary infrastructure for Grade Nine. Misori suggested that the extra classroom needed for Grade Nine should be in secondary schools, which will not have Form One admissions. He also highlighted the uncertainty around hiring 20,000 new teachers and confirming 46,000 interns to permanent positions, emphasizing that secondary school teachers could be utilized for Grade Nine.
Read also:
- TSC Latest Updates on Recruitment of 20,000 Grade 9 Teachers
- Government Commences Construction of 9,000 Classrooms for Grade Nine Learners
- KUPPET: Move Grade 8 and 9 learners to High School
- Is the State Ready to Launch Grade Nine?
Johnson Nzioka, chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association, asserted that primary schools have well-trained teachers to support Grade Nine. In addition, he mentioned that primary schools have even purchased mobile laboratories. Nzioka urged secondary schools to focus on preparing for Grade 10, stating that primary school teachers are already familiar with the students and the government is constructing additional classrooms where needed.
Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang announced the start of construction for 9,000 Grade Nine classrooms in existing primary schools. However, he acknowledged that 7,000 more classrooms are needed. There are also concerns about equipping these new classrooms, with sector players questioning when funds for desks and chairs will be released.
Additional Classrooms Needed
According to Ministry data from 2013-2021, Kenya has 23,286 primary schools, indicating a significant need for additional classrooms to support Junior Secondary School. Some stakeholders commend the effort to build 9,000 classrooms but note that it might not be enough. Emmanuel Manyasa, Executive Director of Usawa Agenda, emphasized the limited time left to construct enough classrooms for Grade Nine in primary schools. He suggested that Grade Nine learners temporarily use vacant secondary school classrooms while further plans are made.
Dr. Manyasa also recommended that sub-county secondary schools accommodate Junior Secondary learners, allowing county schools and above to focus on senior schools. He stressed the importance of the Ministry mapping out how many institutions can accommodate which classes.
John Mugo, Executive Director of Zizi Afrique Foundation, warned against losing sight of Junior Secondary School objectives amid the transition. He pointed out that discussions have mostly focused on academics, with little attention to learners’ career growth. Mugo noted the rationale behind keeping Junior Secondary learners in primary schools was to ensure they are close to their parents, especially since they are about 11 or 12 years old and considered too young for secondary schools.
In conclusion, the controversy over where to host Grade Nine learners as they transition looms large, with significant implications for Kenya’s education system. Stakeholders continue to debate the best approach, balancing infrastructure, safety, and educational outcomes for the students. As January approaches, the urgency to resolve these issues grows, with the future of many young learners at stake.
Intense Debate Erupts Over Placement of Grade Nine Students as Transition Approaches.
Check for Daily Updates
Follow us on Telegram