School heads in Machakos County have hailed the ongoing Grade 9 transition as a resounding success, with many institutions reporting smooth adjustments to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system. The successful transition has been attributed to the collaborative efforts of the government, the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and various other education stakeholders.
Several school managers have shared their positive experiences with the transition, noting that they encountered minimal challenges in implementing the shift from the 8-4-4 system to the CBC framework. Patrick Muthee, the headteacher at Mavoko Primary and Junior School, highlighted the school’s preparedness, citing the construction of four Grade 9 classrooms and the provision of 250 desks for the incoming students. “The government has been very supportive, and we have received all the necessary textbooks for each subject,” Muthee said. The school is expecting around 287 Grade 9 students this year, with a total of 300 learners already enrolled in Grade 7.
Similarly, Seme Primary and Junior Secondary School, under the leadership of Anthony Ngatia, reported successful preparations for the Grade 9 transition. Ngatia expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance, stating that they had built two classrooms and received sufficient textbooks for the students. With an expected enrollment of 89–99 learners in Grade 9, Ngatia emphasized the importance of government support in facilitating a smooth transition. “Our learners are benefiting from new infrastructure, and over 70% of the students have already reported to school,” he noted.
Ngwata Primary and Junior School, led by Faith Maeke, also celebrated its readiness for the transition. The school received 10 new Grade 9 classrooms, and textbooks were distributed early, starting in November of the previous year. “Our students have a conducive learning environment, with the school offering a computer lab and well-equipped science laboratories,” Maeke explained. The school has a total population of 3,750 learners, with 550 enrolled in Grade 9.
Athi River Primary and Junior School, led by Esther Musila, also joined the ranks of successful institutions in the Grade 9 transition. Musila reported that the school had received adequate textbooks for all subjects, ensuring a one-to-one ratio for students. The government constructed six new classrooms, and the school had sufficient desks to accommodate the learners. “While we didn’t admit any new students to Grade 9 this year, we are fully prepared for the learners who transitioned from Grade 8,” Musila said.
The collective success of these schools is a testament to the government’s commitment to the successful rollout of the Grade 9 transition. Despite challenges faced in the early stages of the CBC implementation, the continuous support from the Ministry of Education and the TSC has helped institutions in Machakos County prepare adequately for the new curriculum. As the transition continues across the country, it is evident that these schools are well-equipped to handle the influx of learners and provide them with the resources necessary for academic success.