The Ministry of Education is in a race against time to finalize the transition of Grade 9 learners to senior secondary school in January 2025. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that the categorization of senior schools is complete, with transition guidelines set to follow after a comprehensive nationwide stakeholder engagement.
Speaking at the launch of the national county dialogues on education reforms in Machakos, CS Ogamba emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping the future of competency-based education (CBE). The forum serves as a platform to update education stakeholders on the implementation of CBE, validate senior school transition guidelines, discuss teacher recruitment and capacity building, and gather feedback on existing reforms.
“We are here to update stakeholders on the status of competency-based education implementation; provide a platform for participation in the validation of senior school guidelines, appraise stakeholders on teacher recruitment and capacity building, and receive feedback from stakeholders on CBE implementation,” said Ogamba.
The forum, taking place less than 10 months before the first Grade 9 cohort transitions, seeks to create a clear roadmap for a seamless shift. The nationwide dialogue, running until March 13, 2025, will incorporate views from all 47 counties.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang provided further insights into the senior school structure, noting that every school will be required to offer at least two career pathways, with a strong emphasis on the science pathway. He reassured stakeholders that infrastructure development is on track, with the government mobilizing resources for school upgrades.
“Categorization has been done already based on the type of school—whether girls’ or boys’, day or boarding—and the available pathways. We will issue details once the guidelines are out,” Kipsang stated.
To address infrastructure deficits, the ministry has prioritized the construction of 1,600 science laboratories, scheduled to begin in July. However, concerns persist regarding delayed capitation disbursements, a financial strain that has left parents bearing increased costs to sustain schools.
CS Ogamba acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by institutions and assured that the government is working tirelessly to release funds promptly. “I urge schools to be patient as we work round the clock to release the necessary capitation in line with our scheduled plans,” he said.
As the education sector braces for this major transition, ongoing engagements with stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated shift to senior secondary school.
