The transition to Grade 9 in Machakos County has been marred by inadequate classrooms in some schools as admissions enter the second week since schools reopened.
Out of the 776 JSS schools in the county, at least 217 has no dedicated Grade 9 classrooms.
According to Machakos County Director of Education, Margaret Mwirigi, the over 200 schools without Grade 9 classrooms have retained students in their previous grade eight classes, partitioned some of the existing spaces, or utilized laboratories to address the gap.
During a media briefing at her office in Machakos town, Mwirigi reported that 106 classrooms were constructed during the first phase of the Grade 9 transition across all nine sub-counties in Machakos.
In the second phase, 214 classrooms were constructed and are now in use, except for two that faced funding delays.
READ ALSO:
TSC denies revising entry requirements for degree in education
In the third phase, construction of 22 classrooms is ongoing as funding was awarded when schools were nearing opening and in the fourth phase, the Ministry has allocated for 142 additional classrooms to be constructed.
Out of the 118 classrooms funded by NG-CDF, some are complete, others are currently under construction, and some are yet to start.
Mwirigi noted that the transition is now at 95 per cent, with assurances that all eligible learners will join Grade 9.
Visits to various schools revealed that Junior School at Ngwata Primary has witnessed surge in enrollment for Grade 9 to 550 students in the second week.
The National Government constructed nine classrooms in the school under Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) project, ensuring a seamless transition to Grade 9.
The school, located in Mlolongo has a large student population, with text books already distributed by the Ministry.
Head teacher Faith Maeke stated that the facilities, including the library, computer lab, and science labs, are well-equipped, with 10 JSS teachers fully prepared for teaching.
By Stephen Muthini.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
