This funding is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for students as they move from primary to secondary education.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba made this announcement on October 3, 2024, during his visit to St. Paul Primary School in Athi River, Machakos County.
He stated that the government is committed to meeting its obligations and is prepared to construct the necessary classrooms in primary schools.
Ogamba emphasized the importance of completing the classrooms by January 2025. He highlighted that the construction project is a priority for the government, which seeks to create an enabling environment for students entering Grade 9.
“We are supposed to construct 16,000 classrooms, and we have released money for all of them to ensure that by January we have all the classes ready,” he said.
To facilitate the construction of these classrooms, the Ministry of Education is collaborating with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Out of the total Sh18.8 billion, Sh7.8 billion will come from the NG-CDF for the construction of 5,000 classrooms, while Sh11 billion will be provided by the Ministry of Education for the remaining 11,000 classrooms.
The CS reassured the public that there will be no duplication of construction efforts. The Ministry is working closely with the NG-CDF to share data and ensure that classrooms are not built in the same schools.
This coordination will help streamline the construction process and maximize the effective use of resources.
“We are collaborating with NG-CDF and sharing data to ensure there is no duplicity in the construction of classes,” Ogamba stated.
In addition to classroom construction, the distribution of textbooks is set to begin on October 22, 2024. Ogamba noted that all books should be distributed by December 15, ensuring that students are adequately equipped for their studies.
The government is also taking steps to prepare teachers for the JSS curriculum. More than 66,000 teachers have already undergone retooling to teach in the new system, with additional training sessions planned for December.
This training is crucial for ensuring that educators are prepared to deliver quality education to students transitioning to Grade 9.
Furthermore, Ogamba announced future plans for the construction of laboratories and libraries starting in 2025. These facilities will play an essential role in providing students with the necessary resources to succeed as they move on to senior secondary school.
Overall, the government’s commitment to constructing classrooms and preparing teachers demonstrates its dedication to improving the education system in Kenya.
With the allocated funds, the Ministry of Education aims to create a conducive learning environment for all students entering Junior Secondary School.
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