Same schools, same uniforms for 1,282,574 students joining Junior Secondary

"We want every eligible student to join Grade 7 in their familiar primary schools," Education CS Ezekiel Machogu declared. To achieve this, schools have been instructed to utilize existing classrooms and allow students to wear their current Grade 6 uniforms for the time being. This applies to all 1,282,574 students who sat the 2023 Kenya Primary Schools Education Assessment, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption.

"New JSS uniforms can wait," Machogu clarified, emphasizing the priority of affordability. This directive stems from a commitment to financial relief for families. The Ministry has already disbursed Ksh.7.6 billion specifically for JSS needs, and further plans to invest Ksh.12.8 billion in building 15,015 additional classrooms within a year. "Schools have received their allocated funds and should not levy parents under any pretext," the Cabinet Secretary stated, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Machogu even outlined a plan to optimize classroom usage, minimizing disruption as new students join existing grade levels. "Grade 7 students will use the classrooms currently occupied by Grade 8, who in turn will move into classrooms vacated by the 2023 Standard 8 graduates," he explained. This efficient classroom rotation ensures optimal space utilization and minimizes the need for rushed construction projects, often the source of extra fees.

The Ministry's firm stance prioritizes affordability and seamless transition for all students entering JSS. This clear message sends a strong signal to school heads: focus on education, not on burdening families with unnecessary costs. The future of Kenyan education lies in accessibility and inclusivity, and the Ministry of Education is taking a firm step in the right direction.