Government accelerates preparations for transition to Grade 9 in 2025
The government is focusing on building classrooms, recruiting teachers, and distributing learning materials to accommodate the inaugural cohort.
The Ministry of Education is racing against time to ensure a smooth transition to Grade 9 in January 2025, under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos on Friday outlined the government's multi-pronged approach, focusing on building classrooms, recruiting teachers, and distributing learning materials to accommodate the inaugural cohort.
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The CS stated that the government had identified a critical need for 16,000 new classrooms but had surpassed this target by planning the construction of 18,000 classrooms across the country.
He confirmed that the construction is being implemented in phases, with 3,500 classrooms in the first phase nearing completion.
The second phase, involving 7,500 classrooms, is already underway and is on track to be ready by January 2025.
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has also stepped in to facilitate the building of an additional 6,800 classrooms.
In a special allocation, Nairobi County received Sh1 billion to address unique infrastructure challenges in the capital city.
"This investment is vital to bridging gaps and ensuring accessible, inclusive, and quality education for all learners," Migos said.
To finance these initiatives, the ministry has released Sh 65.2 billion for free day secondary education, Sh35.3 billion for junior schools, and Sh 9.36 billion for primary schools.
However, an additional Sh18 billion has been earmarked specifically for Grade 9 infrastructure development.
In addition to addressing infrastructure needs, the ministry has been preparing for the transition by recruiting and training teachers.
Over 46,000 intern teachers have already been confirmed, while 20,000 others are being hired to strengthen junior school staffing.
Furthermore, 60,000 primary school teachers have been retooled to teach under the CBC framework, ensuring that learners receive quality instruction from adequately trained personnel.
The ministry is also focusing on equipping students with the necessary learning materials.
Textbook distribution for Grade 9 is progressing well and is expected to be completed by December 2024, ensuring that all learners will have the resources they need when schools open in January.
CS Migos reiterated the government's commitment to making the Grade 9 transition seamless and successful.
"We are committed to ensuring that the 2025 Grade 9 transition is seamless and equips learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed," he said.
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