The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) through the secondary school principals has launched a new move wanting the government to permit the initial batch of grade 9 students to transfer to secondary schools .
The principals have said that this will be a prudent idea for the government to take rather than the students remaining in junior schools that are currently lacking adequate infrastructure.
Next year, 2025 marks a significant transition as the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) since it will integrate the first Grade Nine class alongside junior secondary students (Grade Seven and Eight) hosted within primary school premises.
While expressing the serious concern over the lack of readiness, the Kessha representatives has emphasized that the current primary schools designated for hosting these learners are ill-equipped,saying that they are facing shortages in teachers, lack of classrooms, plus other other essential facilities.
As per to Willy Kuria, the current national chairman of Kessha and chief principal of Muranga High School, there is little learning in junior secondary.
He added that the introduction of Grade Nine into secondary school should be explored.
According to this association , Ministry of Education should also consider prompt release of the outstanding capitation grants to schools.
Thy also expressed serious concern over the financial strain faced by schools due to delays in disbursement.
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Om the matter of eCitizen fee payment mode for national schools, the move was highly criticized by Kessha saying its implementation was introduced without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
The association now advocate for its suspension, noting the possibility of having financial losses and operational disruptions in schools.
As per Mr. Kuria, TSC has made its efforts in safeguarding teachers against public criticism concerning KCSE results hence deserve credit om this.
While addressing a congregation in a past meeting, the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu affirmed that Grade Nine students would be accommodated in existing primary schools .
He added that this is part of the gradual transition away from the 8-4-4 system towards the 2-6-3-3-3 System.