Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that the government has constructed over 14,000 classrooms across the country in the past three months to accommodate the growing number of students transitioning from primary to junior secondary schools (JSS). The move is part of the government’s efforts to address the infrastructure challenges posed by the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking on Tuesday during an inspection of Uthiru Primary School in Nairobi County, CS Ogamba revealed that 14,500 out of the 16,000 classrooms required for Grade 9 students have already been completed. He emphasized that the remaining classrooms will be finalized soon to ensure a smooth transition for all learners.
“We are committed to providing adequate infrastructure to support the CBC rollout. So far, we have constructed 14,500 classrooms, and we are on track to complete the remaining ones in good time,” Ogamba said.
In addition to classrooms, the Ministry of Education plans to build 1,600 science laboratories in junior secondary schools to enhance the quality of science education. The CS also highlighted the government’s efforts to address the shortage of learning materials, noting that over 9.9 million textbooks have been printed and distributed to schools.
“Every student will have their own textbook for all subjects. Parents should not bear the burden of buying books; that is the government’s responsibility,” Ogamba assured.
The CBC, introduced in January 2023, has brought significant changes to Kenya’s education system, including the introduction of junior secondary schools. However, the transition has faced challenges, particularly in infrastructure and resource allocation. The government’s recent efforts aim to mitigate these challenges and ensure the success of the new curriculum.
During his address, CS Ogamba also urged parents to register their children with the Social Health Authority (SHA), the new public healthcare system. Despite initial challenges, the CS emphasized the importance of the SHA in providing long-term health benefits for students.
“Every new system faces teething problems, but we are working to resolve them. I encourage all parents to register their children with the SHA to secure their future healthcare needs,” he said.
The government’s rapid construction of classrooms and distribution of textbooks demonstrates its commitment to addressing the challenges of the CBC transition. As the education sector continues to evolve, stakeholders remain hopeful that these efforts will create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.
*By Nyanza Daily Correspondent*
