Narok, Kenya: The Ministry of Education has embarked on an ambitious project to construct 18,000 classrooms nationwide to accommodate the upcoming Grade 9 cohort in January 2025.
Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, during the commissioning of new classrooms in Narok County, stated that the government is collaborating with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to deliver 16,000 of these classrooms. The remaining 2,000 are expected to be completed by the target date.
To address the specific needs of Nairobi, the government has allocated Ksh.1 billion to ensure that schools in the capital are well-prepared for the transition.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Ministry has taken steps to ensure that learners have the necessary learning materials. Textbooks for all nine learning areas in the Grade 9 curriculum have been distributed, and teachers' guides are being provided to facilitate effective instruction.
Dr. Kipsang emphasized the importance of safeguarding children's well-being, particularly during the holiday season. He urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children's safety and protect them from harmful influences such as early pregnancies.
The government's concerted efforts to expand classroom capacity and provide essential learning resources demonstrate its commitment to improving the quality of education in Kenya. As the January 2025 deadline approaches, the Ministry remains optimistic about a smooth transition for Grade 8 students into Grade 9.