State sets aside Sh7.5 billion for construction of 7,500 CBC classrooms by December

The government has announced plans to disburse Sh7.5 billion towards the construction of an additional 7,500 classrooms, set to be completed by December 2024.

The effort aims to support the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), particularly for Grade Nine, the final grade in Junior school.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that the ministry has already made substantial progress in the construction of classrooms needed for Grade Nine students.

“Currently, we are constructing 3,500 classrooms across the country,” Ogamba said.

Additionally, the government is preparing to release Sh3.4 billion to the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) for the construction of another 6,000 classrooms.

Speaking at Lenana School Primary, Ogamba also announced that the distribution of Grade 9 textbooks would commence nationwide in September.

“This morning, I visited several primary and junior schools in Kajiado, Machakos, and Nairobi Counties. I sampled a few schools to witness and confirm the resumption of school operations for the third term. I also had the opportunity to monitor the progress of the Grade 9 classroom construction,” he said.

Improved working conditions

He emphasised the importance of teachers in the education system, noting that the government is committed to improving their working conditions.

"This is why, as a government, we will do all we can to better their terms and conditions of service. We will also continue to equip them and build their capacity so that they are better prepared to discharge their mandate as we roll out the Competency-Based Curriculum," Ogamba said.

He further explained that resources have been allocated for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the retooling of teachers to ensure they are prepared for the CBC.

"The other issues raised by the unions, such as concerns around access to medical cover, career progression guidelines, and promotions of teachers, are also being addressed administratively by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The government has given due priority to teachers, despite the various competing needs and the very difficult economic circumstances that we are operating in as a country," he added.

The CS said the government has shown goodwill and readiness to address teachers' concerns.

“Last week, the government disbursed Sh21.8 billion in capitation for primary, junior, and secondary schools. This money is now with the schools. We now expect that schools will resume operations smoothly and that learning will proceed without any disruptions,” Ogamba said.