Government Wants Primary Heads to Ensure Smooth Transition of Grade 9
By Harrison Kivisu
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Education cabinet secretary Julius Ogamba has asked teachers to ensure the smooth transition of Grade 9 education January next year.
He pledged that the government has lined up proper plans to ensure transition was successful when schools reopen next year.
The CS said the government has already started the distribution of textbooks in preparation for the grade level.
This, he said, would facilitate learning without hitches in January.
At the same time, the secretary warned teachers against malpractices in the ongoing national examinations.
“We will take firm and decisive action for those found in malpractice,as we talk today some of you are in court for involving in exam malpractices.”
Speaking during the official closure of the Kenya Primary School Headteacher’s Association (Kepsha) conference at Sheikh Zayed Hall, Mombasa on November 7, 2024.
On Moi University, he said that a unified decision had already been reached between the management and the ministry that would lead to its opening.
The secretary said a protracted matter had led to the closure of the university, but after long discussions on November 6, 2024 a solution was reached.
He pledged to address teachers demands on salary increase, capitation increase and teacher promotions.
“The issues you have raised we will look into them decisively and where it’s possible we will do it,where we are not able we will involve you to reach an agreeable solution.”
KEPSHA chairman Johnson Nzioka asked the government to continue funding education in time to ensure smooth running of school activities.
He called on the government to increase capitation and ensure schools get requisite infrastructure for ICT.
He asked government to employ more teachers to deal with current teacher deficit in the country.
In their key demands, the headteachers asked government to intensify security and ensure safety of teachers in areas prone to insecurity.
The teachers conference which ended on November 7, 2024, however, was sadly thrown into mourning following a tragic death of headteacher in morning.
The sad news was broken during the closing ceremony by the chair who asked the congregation of heads to honour the deceased by observing a minute of silence.
The teacher from Kuria West of Migori County in Nyanza region was reportedly collapsed on his way to the conference and died as he was rushed to the hospital.
“We are sad to announce that we lost one of us who collapsed and died as he was coming to the confrence on Thursday,” he said.
The CS, who was saddened by the news, promised that the government would facilitate in the transportation of the body to Nyanza for a burial send-off.
“We have received the reports,we will talk with the family and see where the government can come in and help especially in transportation of the body for burial,” he said.
On his part, the Open University of Kenya vice-chancellor Prof Elija Omwenga announced that the institution would offer scholarships for teachers through sponsorship.
