Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has outlined key achievements in the education sector, emphasising that the government prioritises education by allocating 30 per cent of the national budget to the ministry.
Ogamba highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving education, including the employment of additional teachers, the distribution of textbooks, classroom construction, and the ongoing review of the new funding model.
One of the most significant policy decisions, according to the CS, has been the conversion of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms.
"The government considers education a key pillar of national development, which is why 30 per cent of the national budget is dedicated to the sector," Ogamba stated during an interview with KBC on Thursday.
The JSS teachers absorbed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will begin receiving their salaries starting this January.
Ogamba also noted that the government has hired 76,000 teachers over the past 18 months to ensure adequate staffing for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Additionally, 2,000 more teachers will be recruited this month, with a focus on science subjects.
Regarding instructional materials, the CS reported that the government has printed and distributed 9.9 million textbooks to schools.
The policy ensures a one-to-one book-to-student ratio in every subject. However, some schools have experienced discrepancies due to student transfers.
Ogamba urged headteachers to conduct audits and request additional books as needed.
On digital transformation, Ogamba said the ministry is upgrading the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) into the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to enhance efficiency and data accuracy.
The government is also expanding the school feeding program, currently benefiting 2.6 million children in low-income and arid regions.
"Our target is to provide meals to 10 million learners by 2030," he stated.
Food dispatches for the first term are being distributed, with government and partner support ensuring logistical efficiency.
Concerning the new university funding model, Ogamba noted that improvements are underway to better assess financial needs.
"The objective is to ensure that students in need receive support, while those who can afford tuition contribute accordingly," he explained.
A presidential committee is finalising recommendations to address stakeholder concerns.
Finally, the CS highlighted government efforts to restore education in bandit-prone areas.
"The Ministry of Interior is overseeing school reconstruction, and food distribution is underway to support students returning to class," he concluded.
