The Kenyan government has set aside Ksh.18 billion to facilitate the construction of 18,000 Grade 9 classrooms, an ambitious step aimed at addressing infrastructure needs as the country implements its Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This marks an increase from the initial target of 16,000 classrooms and demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing quality education for all learners.
Progress in Construction
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Migos Ogamba announced that Phase One of the construction project is complete, with 3,500 classrooms already delivered. Phase Two is underway and aims to add 7,500 more classrooms by 2025. The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) is also playing a pivotal role, funding an additional 6,800 classrooms.
Speaking in Nakuru during the conclusion of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and the commissioning of nine Grade 9 classrooms at Moi Primary School, CS Ogamba emphasized the importance of the infrastructure initiative.
“These investments are vital in bridging gaps and providing accessible, inclusive, relevant, and quality education for all our learners,” said Ogamba.
Enhanced Budget Allocation
The government’s total investment in education continues to grow, with Ksh.65.2 billion allocated to free secondary education, Ksh.35.9 billion for junior schools, and Ksh.9.36 billion for primary schools. The additional Ksh.18 billion specifically targets infrastructure needs for Grade 9, ensuring that learners transitioning to the junior secondary level have adequate facilities.
The decision to expand the initial target of 16,000 classrooms to 18,000 was based on a needs analysis conducted by the Ministry of Education. This analysis underscored the urgent demand for adequate learning spaces as the CBC progresses and Grade 9 enrollment rises.
Impact on Learners and Education Quality
The ongoing infrastructure development is expected to address overcrowding in classrooms, a persistent challenge in Kenyan schools. By creating additional learning spaces, the government aims to ensure that all students have access to a conducive learning environment.
The CBC, which emphasizes skill development and hands-on learning, requires sufficient and modern infrastructure to deliver its promise of transforming education in Kenya. The new classrooms will not only accommodate the rising number of students but also provide specialized spaces to support the curriculum’s diverse demands, such as science labs, art rooms, and digital learning hubs.
Challenges and Exam Malpractices
Despite the progress in infrastructure development, CS Ogamba highlighted a concerning issue during the 2024 KCSE examinations. A total of 621 cases of malpractice were reported, with 198 examination centers under investigation for irregularities. These incidents underscore the need for stricter oversight and enhanced measures to safeguard the integrity of national exams.
The government has pledged to take decisive action against those involved in the malpractices, ensuring that the examination process remains credible.
Looking Ahead
The completion of the 18,000 classrooms is expected to significantly ease the transition of students to Grade 9, aligning with the government’s goal of accessible and inclusive education. As the country prepares for the CBC’s full implementation, these infrastructure investments will play a key role in delivering the curriculum effectively.
Moreover, the collaborative approach involving the NG-CDF highlights the importance of pooling resources to achieve national education goals. With additional classrooms set to be delivered by 2025, the project demonstrates how government initiatives, coupled with community-level support, can address pressing challenges in the education sector.
By prioritizing education infrastructure, the Kenyan government reaffirms its commitment to empowering future generations through quality education. However, continuous vigilance and accountability in all aspects, from construction to exam administration, will be critical in achieving these objectives.
