20,000 Classrooms To Be Constructed By 2023
The government is planning to construct at least 20,000 classes by 2023, against a demand of 37,000 classrooms. Out of this, 10,000 classrooms will be constructed through a state funding Sh8 billion for the construction of over 10,000 classrooms.
This will be part of the plan to accommodate almost 1 million grade six pupils meant to transition to grade seven; junior secondary level.
Addressing citizens during the 58th Mashujaa Day ceremony at Wang’uru Stadium, Kirinyaga County, President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the Ministries of Education, Interior, and National Treasury to ensure funds are procured to oversee the projects.
Uhuru also asked members of parliament to prioritize Constituency Development Funds (CDF) towards the construction of the classes.
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“To address the gap for the remaining 10,000 classes in the country I call upon all members of the national assembly to stand together with children by prioritizing CDF funds to school infrastructure,” Uhuru said.
He called on Treasury to engage lawmakers to ensure the appropriation of Sh8 billion for the classrooms project.
The president said the plan is a fulfilment of ensuring 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school.
In the spirit of creating opportunities for the youth, the President asked schools to use local contractors in the classrooms project.
“Construction of these classrooms be undertaken by local contractors within the vicinity of each school to provide further stimulus to the local economy and that the payment is remitted directly to the contractors in respective sub-counties,” Uhuru added.
Even after the construction of the 20,000 classrooms, there will still be a demand of 17,000 classrooms if the transition is expected to be successful.
Those joining the secondary school will comprise the pioneer class of the CBC–currently in Grade 5–and the second-last cohort of students under 8-4-4.
This will include 1.32 million candidates sitting the second-last KCPE examination under the 8-4-4 system and 1.24 million students from the pioneer class of CBC who will be joining junior high, according to data from KNBS.
Upon transition in 2023, the projected population in secondary school will hit 5.56 million learners.
The Senate Education Committee summoned CS George Magoha to explain the plans to ensure the transition is not interrupted.
Senators raised concerns that with less than two years to transition, not much seemed to have happened in terms of preparation to ensure a smooth transition.
