Grade 9 learners in session in the newly built classrooms at Tom Mboya Comprehensive School in Mvita, Mombasa. /KNACompetency-Based Curriculum (CBC) schools are noting a high per cent transition as they reopen with full grade 9 enrollment, all necessary textbooks delivered, and additional infrastructure completed through funding from the CDF and government programmes.
Speaking to the media at Tom Mboya Comprehensive School, the headteacher, who also serves as the National Vice Chairman of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA), Fuad Ali, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout of students, as he reported that 80 per cent of the students had already reported back by Monday when schools officially resumed.
As of Wednesday, January 8, the school had achieved 100 per cent attendance across all grades.
Particularly noteworthy is Grade 9, which he said has an enrollment of 154 students whom he confirmed have all reported.
"This remarkable turnout demonstrates the dedication of our learners and the value placed on education by the community. It is our priority to ensure that all students receive the necessary support for a successful academic term," he said.
Ali said by Monday, January 6, the two new classrooms constructed with funding from the Mvita Constituency Development Fund (CDF) were fully ready to accommodate students.
Additionally, the school received 120 desks to cater to the needs of Grade 9 learners.
"We have also received textbooks for Grade 9, which were supplied by the government starting in November and December last year. At present, we have all the required books, and they have been distributed to the students,” Ali said.
“Learning is progressing smoothly, with no challenges reported so far. Additionally, all teachers have reported for duty, and academic activities are running as planned.”
He said all schools received their textbooks by December. However, in cases where some schools may not have received their books, he advised them to follow up, as the delay could be due to challenges such as transportation or other logistical issues faced by the suppliers.
"It is important to address these issues promptly to ensure no school is left behind in providing the necessary learning materials," he said.
Ali said the results of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA), which were released, have been well-received, noting that the results have been uploaded to the school's portals and the process of downloading them is ongoing.
However, he highlighted that Grade 7 students reported to school on Monday as part of the 100 per cent transition policy, without waiting for their results.
"The students will receive their results while continuing with their Grade 7 studies, ensuring there is no disruption to their learning process," he added.
About the classroom expansion project, Ali said some schools received funding through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), while others were supported by the government through the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) programme.
The KPEEL programme, he said, disbursed funds in three phases, and currently, schools are receiving the phase three funds to complete the classrooms.
"This initiative has been instrumental in addressing the need for additional learning spaces, ensuring that schools can accommodate the growing number of students," the KEPSHA official said.
