Is the State Ready to Launch Grade Nine?
Education stakeholders are deeply concerned about the state’s readiness to launch Grade Nine within the next six months. The government is rushing to build classrooms and laboratories essential for the new grade, but a severe teacher shortage remains a major issue for junior secondary school (JSS) learners.
JSS, introduced last year, includes Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine. Concerns are mounting over the preparedness for the first group of students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) set to complete their JSS level next year. Moses Nthurima, acting Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), believes the government is unprepared for Grade Nine.
Nthurima questions whether the government can complete the necessary infrastructure by January next year. He suggests that students transition to secondary schools, which already have adequate facilities like classrooms and laboratories. “Next year, there will be no Form One classes, and the empty classrooms should accommodate Grade Nine,” he said.
Infrastructure and Teacher Shortages
Nthurima argues that placing JSS in primary schools has negatively affected learning. Primary schools lack the necessary infrastructure for secondary-level studies, such as laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and sufficient classrooms. “We strongly reject the domiciling of JSS in primary schools due to the low quality of learning and significant teacher shortages, with only one or two teachers per class handling over 12 subjects,” he said.
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He also pointed out that most JSS teachers are trained in humanities, compromising the teaching of sciences and mathematics. Meanwhile, around 10,000 principals of public schools are urging the government to move Grades Eight and Nine to secondary schools.
Willy Kuria, National Chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, supports this move. “We are better equipped than primary schools with classrooms, laboratories, teachers, and other facilities,” he stated.
In response, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that the government allocated Sh3.5 billion to primary schools for building 1,000 additional classrooms nationwide. “Additionally, Sh3.9 billion, matched by the National Government–Constituency Development Fund, is provided for constructing classrooms at the constituency level,” Machogu said.
Government Efforts and Funding
Last week, the Ministry of Education disbursed Sh2.7 billion to primary schools, Sh14 billion to JSS, and Sh18.8 billion to secondary schools. “These funds are in addition to the Sh4.7 billion, Sh15.1 billion, and Sh32.4 billion disbursed last term to primary, junior, and secondary schools respectively,” Machogu noted. He attributed delays in sending capitation to schools to delayed Exchequer disbursements.
Machogu emphasized the Ministry’s proactive approach in ensuring timely fund disbursements. “We continuously follow up on the release of Exchequer to ensure that the funds reach schools promptly,” he assured.
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He reiterated that the CBC is based on Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019, approved by Parliament, and the Basic Education Curriculum Framework of 2017. “Following extensive consultations, the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform recommended retaining the current structure, supported by 51.2 percent of stakeholders and the public,” Machogu said.
One significant recommendation from the Working Party was to domicile JSS in primary schools, considering the psychosocial age of the learners and the cost-effectiveness of using existing primary school facilities. “This recommendation received 93 percent support from stakeholders and the public, and we are now implementing it,” Machogu explained.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang reassured education stakeholders that the government will start building over 16,000 new classrooms next week to accommodate Grade Nine learners by January 2025. This ambitious plan aims to address the urgent infrastructure needs and ensure a smooth transition for JSS students.
Is the State Ready to Launch Grade Nine?
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