The Ministry of Education has disbursed Sh4.2 billion to beef up infrastructure with focus on supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Sh4.2 billion given for infrastructure development to primary and secondary schools in the financial year 2021/2022 is to ensure 100 per cent transition for the pioneer class, which completes its primary school cycle next year.
Speaking in Kisumu, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha stated that of the funds allocated this year, Sh1.9 billion has been set aside for the purchase of desks and construction of extra classes in the selected primary schools.
“The Ministry has received Sh4.2 billion to beef up infrastructure with focus on supporting the CBC where 1.3 million learners will report to Grade 5,” he said.
As far as Grade 5 is concerned, Magoha said the books are already in schools so when they reopen on August 5, every child in Grade 5 will find a book in school and a desk to sit on.
He dissmissed fears that the government was facing hurdles in the implementation of the new curriculum, adding that the 26-member presidential task force report indicated that the rollout is the best bet towards attaining a holistic education model.
In February, the President appointed a 26 member task force which compiled a report on the implementation matrix of the CBC which will be replacing the 32-year reign of the 8-4-4 curriculum.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) conducted an evaluation and subsequent approval of textbooks to be used for the 14 subjects offered at primary level under the CBC program.
On the schools to be upgraded, Magoha revealed that they are using Geographic Information System(GIS) technology to assess the capacity of schools to be upgraded to ensure a smooth transition.
Further, he said that the ministry is currently compiling a list, digitally, of the expected beneficiaries, to weed out instances of misappropriation.
After four months on holiday, Grade Four learners and Form One students will embark on the first term of the 2022 academic year in August.
