Government announces key directives ahead of schools reopening for first term in 2025
Ogamba reiterated that the 348 boarding schools which were closed last year due to safety standards would reopen only after meeting the necessary safety protocols.
The government has issued crucial directives as schools prepare to reopen for the 2025 academic year on Monday, January 6.
in a statement on Saturday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba outlined measures covering academic schedules, safety, and education reforms.
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According to Ogamba, Term One will run for 13 weeks, with a five-day mid-term break.
He said the Ministry of Education has tasked regional and county education directors with ensuring adherence to the academic calendar.
On transitioning to Grade 9 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Ogamba noted that the milestone reflects progress in the transformative curriculum.
To accommodate learners, he said the government has completed 93 per cent of the construction of 16,000 classrooms across the country.
In areas where construction remains unfinished, the CS said temporary measures, such as using alternative spaces and merging streams, will ensure all learners are accommodated.
Textbooks distribution
The Ministry also revealed that nearly 10 million textbooks have been distributed to schools, with full delivery expected by reopening day.
The Teachers Service Commission has also hired 76,928 teachers, including 56,928 on permanent terms and 20,000 as interns.
Ogamba assured that junior secondary schools would progressively receive adequate staffing through the redeployment of qualified primary school teachers.
On capitation, the government said it will disburse Sh48.38 billion, representing 50 per cent of the annual allocation.
According to Ogamba, this will be distributed across free primary education, free day junior school education, and free day secondary education.
“The remaining funds will be released in instalments during the second and third terms,” Ogamba said.
KCSE exam results
The CS also addressed examinations and assessments, confirming that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam results will be released within the first two weeks of January.
He added that reports for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will be accessible on school portals starting January 6.
Schools have also been directed to comply with the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya.
Ogamba reiterated that the 348 boarding schools which were closed last year due to safety standards would reopen only after meeting the necessary safety protocols.
He emphasised that school buses and vehicles transporting learners must also adhere to operational hours between 6 am and 6 pm, with regular inspections by the National Transport Safety Authority.
The CS further encouraged parents to enrol to Taifa Care for healthcare coverage, including for their school-going children.
Ogamba lauded teachers, parents, learners, and stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening the education system, expressing optimism for further collaboration in reforming the education sector.
