A spirited debate has emerged over the appropriate placement of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Various sponsor churches in the area have taken a firm stance, advocating for the relocation of JSS from primary schools to secondary schools. This debate comes at a crucial time as the government plans to construct a significant number of Grade 9 classrooms nationwide.
Bishop Paul Korir of the Kapsabet Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese has been particularly vocal about this issue. He recently addressed the public in Kapsabet town, outlining the benefits of moving JSS to secondary schools. “Secondary schools have better and enough classrooms. As sponsors of several schools in this region, we would like to ask the government to consider having JSS in secondary schools,” he stated.
Infrastructure and Funding
One of the key arguments presented by Bishop Korir is the availability of infrastructure in secondary schools. According to him, these schools possess sufficient facilities to accommodate the JSS, which is not the case in many primary schools. This disparity in infrastructure could potentially save the government billions of shillings currently earmarked for constructing new Grade 9 classrooms across the country.
The government has announced plans to construct at least 16,000 classrooms for Grade 9 by January 2025, with a budget allocation of Ksh3.4 billion. Bishop Korir suggests that this substantial investment could be redirected or reduced if JSS is integrated into existing secondary school facilities. This would not only be a cost-effective solution but would also provide JSS students with access to better-equipped learning environments.
Teacher-Student Ratio Concerns
Another significant concern raised by Bishop Korir pertains to the teacher-student ratio in schools. He emphasized the urgent need to recruit more teachers, as the current numbers are far below expectations. “Our schools are greatly understaffed going by the high population of learners. This is worrying and we hereby appeal for the hiring and posting of more teachers to our schools,” he observed.
The increasing number of students entering secondary education has put a strain on the existing teaching staff, making it challenging to maintain an optimal learning environment. By moving JSS to secondary schools, the government can better allocate teaching resources, ensuring that students receive the attention and support they need.
Mental Health Campaigns and Stakeholder Engagement
Bishop Korir also touched on the critical issue of mental health among students. He highlighted the alarming rise in mental health problems in the region, using a simple yet poignant example: “When a phone rings and somebody just looks at the phone without answering, that indicates that person is having mental issues. To address this problem, we must urgently establish mental health campaigns.”
The call for mental health campaigns underscores the need for a holistic approach to education, one that addresses both the academic and emotional well-being of students. As mental health becomes an increasingly pressing concern, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools must be equipped to provide the necessary support and resources.
In addition to these concerns, the sponsors have expressed a desire for greater involvement in decision-making processes related to school management. They believe that by consulting them, the government can avoid disputes and ensure that the needs of all stakeholders are met. “The sponsors further want the government to consult them in decision making, especially relating to the running of schools, in order to avert disputes as witnessed in some schools in the region,” said Bishop Korir.
Conclusion
As the government moves forward with its plans to expand educational infrastructure, the debate over the domiciling of JSS will likely continue. The perspectives of Bishop Korir and other stakeholders in the North Rift highlight the complexities of educational planning and the importance of considering multiple factors to create a conducive learning environment for all students.
