The government is set to disburse Ksh 7.5 billion this week for the construction of an additional 7,500 classrooms, which are expected to be completed by December 2024.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that significant progress has already been made in preparing for Grade 9, with 3,500 classrooms currently under construction across the country.
“We are also finalizing the release of Ksh 3.4 billion to the NG-CDF for the construction of another 6,000 classrooms,” Ogamba said.
Speaking on Monday at Lenana School Primary, Ogamba added that Grade 9 textbooks will begin being distributed to schools nationwide starting next month.
“This morning, I visited several primary and junior schools in Kajiado, Machakos, and Nairobi counties. I observed school operations resuming for the third term and monitored the progress of Grade 9 classroom construction,” he said.
The CS thanked the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) for calling off the teachers’ strike and making the decision in a timely manner, as it enabled the smooth reopening of schools.
“I commend them for their selfless patriotism. It is critical that schools operate seamlessly this term, as students prepare for national assessments and examinations in the coming months,” said Ogamba.
Ogamba emphasized the vital role that teachers play in the education system, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving their terms and conditions of service.
“As a government, we are committed to bettering the welfare of teachers. We will continue to equip and build their capacity to ensure they are prepared for the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC),” he explained.
The CS noted that resources have been allocated for implementing the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement and for retooling teachers to ensure they are CBC-ready.
He added that issues raised by unions, such as access to medical cover, career progression, and promotions, are being addressed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
“The government has given due priority to teachers despite competing needs and challenging economic circumstances,” Ogamba said.
He called on the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to reconsider their stance and end their strike, citing the government’s demonstrated goodwill in addressing their concerns.
“Last week, we disbursed Ksh 21.8 billion in capitation for primary, junior, and secondary schools. This money is now with the schools, and we expect operations to resume smoothly without disruptions,” said Ogamba.
The CS urged school managers to use the disbursed resources prudently, stressing that these are public funds meant for the benefit of learners.
“We are committed to ensuring that every cent disbursed is accounted for. We will take swift action against any cases of misappropriation,” he warned.
Ogamba also stressed that no student should be sent home over unauthorized levies and instructed field officers to report any such cases for immediate action.
He further cautioned school heads against withholding examination certificates due to unpaid fees, stating that certificates are a right for all students who sit for national examinations.
“School heads should find other administrative means to recover fee balances without hindering students’ progress by withholding their certificates,” Ogamba added.
The CS reassured stakeholders that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure schools are ready and conducive for learning, pledging to work with all parties to ensure efficiency in the education sector.
