Government Prioritizes Smooth Transition to Grade Nine and Education Infrastructure Development

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for students moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9 in January 2025. This commitment was emphasized by Mr. Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, who is in charge of performance management and delivery. Speaking at the official handover of the refurbished Kametho Primary School in Rarieda Sub County, Siaya County, Owalo outlined the government’s plans to address the increasing demand for educational infrastructure and staffing as the new academic phase begins.

To accommodate the large number of learners set to join Grade 9 next year, the government has finalized plans to construct 16,000 additional classrooms across the country. Owalo highlighted that the necessary financial mechanisms are already in place to ensure that the classrooms are built in time to meet the demand. This initiative is part of the broader effort to support the transition under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which has seen significant changes in the education system.

“The government has put in place a financial mechanism that will facilitate the construction of the deficit 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for students joining Grade 9 in January 2025,” said Owalo. The initiative reflects the government’s response to the growing number of students as CBC progresses, and Owalo assured that the classrooms would be ready to accommodate the learners on time.

Alongside the classroom expansion, the government is also addressing the critical issue of teacher shortages. Owalo revealed that the government has set in motion plans to absorb 46,000 intern teachers into permanent, pensionable positions. Additionally, an extra 20,000 teachers will be hired to help fill the gap in the education sector. The advertisement for these new positions has already been made, with the aim of ensuring that every school has sufficient qualified staff to meet the needs of the growing student population.

“We are aware that we have been having a shortage of teachers, and that is why the government has decided to absorb the 46,000 intern teachers through the Teachers Service Commission and also hire an additional 20,000 teachers,” Owalo explained. This move is expected to significantly alleviate the pressure on schools and improve the quality of education.

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During his speech, Owalo also took the opportunity to highlight the government’s broader development plans for the region, which include projects aimed at improving electricity, water supply, security, roads, and market access. These infrastructure improvements are expected to boost economic growth and create job opportunities for the local community.

Owalo also praised the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation for its role in refurbishing Kametho Primary School. The foundation has invested KSh 35 million in the project, which includes the construction of a modern ICT facility. This facility, part of the Citizens of the Future Program, is not only designed to benefit students but also local youth, who will have the opportunity to receive training in digital skills.

“I urge the youth to utilize the ICT facility installed at the school to train during weekends because ICT is the frontier that will give us jobs as the government targets to train at least 300 youths in all wards across the country,” Owalo stated.

The refurbishing of Kametho Primary School is part of a larger initiative by the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation to improve educational facilities across Kenya. The foundation aims to refurbish 600 schools nationwide, equipping them with ICT hubs to help create digital natives who are well-prepared for the future job market.

Joseph Ogutu, the chairperson of the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the refurbished facilities are used effectively. “It is not enough to have excellent infrastructure. The project will only be relevant if performance improves and the aim of creating digital natives is achieved,” Ogutu said.

The local community has been urged to ensure the facilities are properly maintained so they can serve generations of students for the next century. Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora, who also attended the event, challenged the local teachers and parents to collaborate to improve the school’s performance, stressing that the new facilities must lead to better results.

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In conclusion, the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and addressing teacher shortages, alongside efforts by organizations like the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation, is poised to significantly enhance the quality of education in Kenya. These initiatives will not only facilitate a smooth transition to Grade 9 but also ensure that students across the country have access to modern, well-equipped learning environments.