Education CS warns parents not to pay for class construction fee

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has warned parents not to pay any construction fees, despite demands from primary school headteachers.

Speaking at Mumbi grounds in Murang’a County on Sunday January 14, Machogu cautioned headteachers not to demand cash from parents of Junior Secondary School students.

The Education CS stated that there are enough classrooms to accommodate all Junior Secondary School students.

According to Machogu, the government had allocated Ksh3.3 billion, which will be distributed to all 290 constituencies for the construction of approximately 6,000 classrooms.

He also mentioned that the World Bank has offered Ksh9 billion for the construction of additional 9,000 classrooms across the country.

“By the end of next year, 15,000 new classrooms will be constructed to accommodate Grade Nine students,” he said.

“No parent should be asked to pay for the construction of classrooms, and those teachers demanding this money should stop,” he added.

JSS Curriculum

Machogu further stated that the Ministry of Education will ensure that Junior Secondary Schools are well-equipped to facilitate smooth learning for the students.

In addition, the Education CS noted that the government expects 100 percent transition for all students who sat for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment in 2023.

He emphasized that no student should stay at home due to a lack of fees or uniform since the government has released Ksh7.6 billion to Junior Secondary Schools in the country.

Grade Seven students are allowed to use the old uniform, giving parents time to buy new ones.

According to Machogu, the government allocated Ksh3.3 billion to cater for scholarships for needy Form One students set to start admission on Monday January 15, 2024.

Meanwhile, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who was at the event, urged parents to embrace day schools.

He mentioned that his bursary program would help sponsor secondary education for needy students, including those living with disabilities.