Category Archives: Breaking Education News

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2024 Form One Selection, Joining Instructions

After releasing the 2023 KCPE Examination results, the Ministry of Education will now conduct form One Placement 2024 For students based on their 2023 KCPE results.

According to Cs Education, Ezekiel Machogu, the process will be finalized in December 2023 to give parents to prepare for admissions of their children.

Checking Placement Through ministry of Education website 

To check your placement, visit the Ministry of Education portal or use SMS. The Education Cabinet Secretary has released the 2024 Form 1 admission results, and you can download your admission letter to find out your school instructions. Here’s how:

For National Schools

1. Go to the Ministry of Education’s website (https://www.education.go.ke/index.php/online-services/form-one-selection).

2. Pick your county and sub-county, enter your index number, and submit.

3. Click “admission letter” at the bottom.

4. Print or download it.

5. Have your primary school’s headteacher endorse and stamp it.

6. Submit it for admission with a certified copy of your birth certificate.

For Extra County Schools

1. Follow the same steps as for national schools using the link below. (https://www.education.go.ke/index.php/online-services/form-one-selection).

For County Schools

1. Use [this link] (https://www.education.go.ke/index.php/online-services/form-one-selection).

2. Select your county and sub-county, enter your index number, and submit.

3. Click “admission letter” at the bottom.

4. Print or download the letter.

5. Get your primary school’s headteacher’s endorsement and stamp.

6. Submit for admission with a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Follow these steps carefully for a smooth admission process.

How to Check Form One Placements 2024 Via SMS Code 

Form One Placement 2024.To check the secondary schools that you have been selected to join in 2024 by the ministry of education use the SMS code below;

To check secondary school selected  

  • Go your sms message in your phone
  • Send SMS message with  your KCPE index number to 22263 (the code works for safaricom, Airtel and Telkom).
  • Your will receive an sms with the school that you were selected to join
  • The sms charges ksh. 25.

NOTE 1: The sms code provided above for checking school selection does not bring selection results instantly. Kindly be patient as the SMS will arrive.

MPs Defend Education CS Magoha On Fees Payment

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale has defended education CS Prof. George Magoha on compelling parents to pay third term fees by sending children home.

Magoha had last week told parents to pay third term school fees arrears for their children, warning that those who fail to do so will have their children sent home.

The CS directed principals to ensure parents settle fees arrears but urged that students from humble backgrounds or whose parents lost jobs due to Covid-19 pandemic be spared. “I ask the principals to double check and confirm that the child they are sending home is not from a poor family or a family where the parent lost a job,” the CS said.

The directive has since been criticized and lauded by a section of parents in equal measure. Some parents asked the CS to be considerate as they were still struggling as result of the effects of the coronavirus.

Speaking at NEP girls’ high school where he distributed revision books for both primary and secondary schools, Duale said that he was in support of the CS.

“I think people misunderstood the CS. What he meant is that parents who are able to pay school fees must do so and principals and head teachers know these students,” he said.

He regretted the backlash that followed the CS statement noting, “Let us be honest with each other. Our children in school need to eat. We also have other bills that need to be cleared like electricity. How will the schools run if we refuse to pay the fees?” he posed.

Duale however urged head teachers to be sympathetic to needy parents. “Amongst us are parents who lost their jobs during this pandemic. Some were forced to close their businesses,” he said.

Recently, the government released Sh 9.3 billion capitation funds for primary and secondary schools countrywide.

See also;

2021 Form One Selection Results through SMS

 How to download 2021 form one admission letters online.

Form one selection results and admission letters 2021 (Check admission results and letter)

How to receive 2021 Form One Selection Results via SMS Code 22263 (See selection criteria and how to download admission letters)

2021 Form One Selection Portal; Get selection results and download your admission letter

How to download Form one 2021 admission letters for National schools, Extra County Schools, County schools in kenya, Form one selection results

You may also like;

How to admit 2021 Form Ones through the NEMIS system: Ministry of Education

How to complete the new students and 2021/2022 form ones’ admission process by updating their Bio data on NEMIS

2021 Form one selection criteria, results and admission letters; County schools

How to download Form one 2021 admission letters for National schools, Extra County Schools, County schools in kenya, Form one selection results

2021 Form one selection criteria, results and admission letters; Extra County schools

2021 Form one selection results and admission letters; National schools

Education Ministry Highlights Education Stakeholders’ Recommendations During CBE Forum

Education Ministry Highlights Education Stakeholders’ Recommendations During CBE Forum

The Ministry of Education has received a summary of the report from county stakeholder dialogues regarding Competency Based Education (CBE) conducted in 2025.

The report was presented during The National Conversation on CBE, which took place on April 24, 2025, in Nairobi. This conversation included educators and pertinent ministry officials who operate at the grassroots level in the execution of the curriculum.

Speaking at the commencement of the event, Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba stated that the county dialogues were intended to inform stakeholders about the status of CBE implementation and to provide a platform for stakeholders’ involvement in the validation of transition guidelines from Junior School to Senior School.

The matters raised during the County Dialogues 2025 include a national readiness audit, which encompasses an assessment of senior schools and their preparedness for implementing educational pathways.

CS Ogamba indicated that the issue has been addressed; the government has conducted a comprehensive assessment to facilitate a smooth transition for Grade 9 learners into senior secondary school. This year, the Ministry of Education will construct 1,600 laboratories for schools lacking such facilities, which will be completed by the end of the year.

The selection process for Grade 9 students is scheduled to commence on May 20, following the students’ completion of the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).

“I urge all of you – particularly teachers, parents, and guardians – to adequately guide our Grade 9 candidates as they begin selecting their preferred Senior Schools. This exercise will commence on May 20, 2025,” the Cabinet Secretary stated.

The stakeholders have also advocated for capacity building; the Ministry of Education has initiated infrastructure mapping, prioritized the distribution of STEM equipment, and ongoing training of teachers in STEM is being provided through CEMASTEA.

The stakeholders additionally called for the stabilization and localization of the curriculum. They urged the government to minimize frequent reviews and to tailor content to enhance its local relevance.

Prof. Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), indicated that they have completed the rationalization of the curriculum. The government has also developed career guidelines, which are now ready for dissemination.

Teaching and learning materials for the rationalized areas are likewise prepared for distribution. The KICD is also planning to conduct a needs assessment within the financial year 2024/2025.

The Ministry of Education is relying on local entities and television for the empowerment of all education stakeholders; it has also translated guidelines for parental engagement into Kiswahili.

Regarding assistive materials and infrastructure, the government has established a factory for manufacturing assistive devices at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).

The stakeholders also expressed concerns regarding assessment integrity and fairness; the government has instituted standardized grading, ongoing training of teachers for school-based assessment (SBA), updates of scores, and record values, while schools have utilized Parents’ Annual General Meetings for sensitization.

The government has also prepared career guidance materials for junior and pre-vocational schools, and these are now ready for distribution.
During his concluding remarks, the Cabinet Secretary stated that the primary takeaway from the discussion has been a resolution to offer mathematics as a mandatory subject for all students in Senior School.

“We have established a technical team that will collaborate with the experts from the KICD to ascertain the modalities for offering mathematics at the Senior School level,” he remarked.

Ogamba indicated that the ministry will also promptly initiate consultations on strategies to ensure a robust mechanism is established to facilitate reentry and assessments for private candidates, thereby ensuring they complete their basic education.

The Ministry of Education continues to oversee fee guidelines through audits conducted by the schools audit department and the Office of the Auditor-General. It is also providing support for school fees through CDF bursaries, the Elimu Scholarship, and various other programs.

Register your top students for this year’s science competition- Schools told

The Ministry of Education has asked schools to register candidates for this year’s National Science Competition. This is the second edition of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) mentor-ship Programme.

InterswitchSPAK Kenya is in collaboration with UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in the context of its STEM Education programme with the  Government of Kenya (specifically, the Ministry of Education), as an annual event for secondary schools (public and private) in Kenya, with key message of revving up the interest of students; parents, teachers, and other key stakeholders towards STEM education/application in Africa.

The STEM education and training applies inter-disciplinary research in learning and cognition, STEM integration, instructor development and evaluation and assessment to STEM teaching from early childhood through graduate education.

Who is to participate

InterswitchSPAK Kenya is calling on all secondary schools (Public and Private) to register their top form 3 students for the competition. Top participants will have an opportunity to attend a national context in Nairobi during the August holidays which will be televised on the national TV stations; and have a chance to win University scholarships and other prizes.

This competition is open to students in Form 3 aged between 15 – 18 years; attending full time Secondary Education in both Public and Private Schools in Kenya.

Participation in this competition is FREE.

Registration of students is open till Thursday 24th June 2021.

How to register

Both Public and Private schools are asked to register their Top Ten (10) Form 3 Science students on the online platform www.interswitchspak.com.

Registration platform

Register Your School

To enroll your STUDENTS for this COMPETITION, your school must first be REGISTERED

Note: Only Fields with asterisk (*) are compulsory.

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Already have an account? Login

Login portal.

Once registered  you can then proceed to login;

Login

Competition dates

The competition will be held online on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th June 2021 between 8.00am to 6.00p.m.

Functions of the Commission for University Education

Functions

The functions of the Commission for University Education as outlined in section 5 (1) of the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 are to:

  1.   Promote the objectives of university education;
  2.  Advise the cabinet secretary on policy relating to university education;
  3.  Promote, advance, publicize and set standards relevant in the quality of university education, including the promotion and support of internationally recognized standards;
  4.  Monitor and evaluate the state of university education systems in relation to the national development goals;
  5.  License any student recruitment agencies operating in Kenya and any activities by foreign institutions;
  6.   Develop policy for criteria and requirements for admission to universities;
  7.   Recognize and equate degrees, diplomas and certificates conferred or awarded by foreign universities and institutions in accordance with the standards and guidelines set by the commission from time to time;
  8.   Undertake or cause to be undertaken, regular inspections, monitoring and evaluation of universities to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act or any regulations made under section 70;
  9.   On regular basis, inspect universities in Kenya;
  10. Approve universities in Kenya;
  11. Regulate university education in Kenya;
  12. Approve and inspect university programmes in Kenya;
  13. Promote quality research and innovation

Authority of the Commission

The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and capable, in its corporate name, of:

  1. suing and being sued;
  2. taking, purchasing, or otherwise acquiring, holding, charging and disposing of movable and immovable property, and
  3. doing or performing all such other things or acts necessary for the proper performance of its functions under this Act as may lawfully be done or performed by a body corporate.

Government of Hungary Scholarships for Kenyan Students; How to apply

The Government of Hungary has offered One Hundred (100) Undergraduate, Masters and PHD scholarships for the 2021/2022 academic year.

Eligible Kenyan students can apply for scholarships in the following areas of study:

  • Undergraduate (BA/BSc) studies in the fields of Agricultural Science, Computer Science and Information Technology, Economic Science, Engineering Science, Health Science, Sport Science and Natural Science;
  • Master’s (MA/MSc) studies in the fields of Agricultural Science, Computer Science and Information Technology, Legal Science, Economic Science, Engineering Science, Medical and Health Science and Natural Science;
  • Doctoral (PhD/DLA) studies in any field of interest;
  • One-tier master’s (OTM) studies in the fields of general medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, architecture, and veterinary medicine.

NB: One-Tier Masters (OTM) covers both Bachelor and the Master’s levels.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

The study programmes and Host Institutions are accessible on the online application system’s website: (https://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu/).

The scholarship covers Tuition fee, Accommodation, Medical Insurance and a monthly stipend. Please note that these provisions do not fully cover all the costs of living in Hungary but are only a contribution to the living expenses.

Applicants are advised to check the expected living expenses both in Hungary and in the city that they wish to live in before applying by visiting: http://www.studyinhungary.hu/livingin-hungary/menu/your-costs-of-living.html

Eligibility

A. Undergraduate

a) Minimum KCSE Mean Grade of B (plain).
b) Not more than 25 years of age.
c) Grade “B” in core subjects in the preferred field of study.
d) Completed Secondary Education in the last three (3) years.
e) Have original KCSE certificate.

B. Postgraduate

(i) Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree upper second class honors level.
(ii) For PhD, applicants must have a relevant Master’s Degree.
(iii) Are below thirty eight (38) years for Masters and forty five (45) years for PhD.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Preliminary application forms are obtainable from the Ministry of Education offices at Telposta Towers, 27th floor Room 2702. The application forms can also be downloaded from the Ministry’s website: http://www.education.go.ke

2. All applicants must also submit their application through the online application system of Tempus Public Foundation. After registration, the applicants are able to access the application surface and upload the required documents. Please note that no application will be accepted without the online submission.

A guide to the online submission is available on http://www.stipendiumhungaricum.hu website.

The online application can be accessed on: http://apply.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
The deadline for submission of the complete application package of online application to the Tempus Public Foundation is 15th January 2021 (23:59 Central European Time).

3. Doctoral candidates are advised to visit website (http://www.doktori.hu) before applying.

4. Students applying for doctoral program must have a supervisor at the host university. A statement of acceptance issued by the supervisor must be attached to the application.

5. Candidates who are in service should submit their application forms through their Heads of Departments and attach the recommendation letter.

6. Completed application forms with certified photocopies of ID, academic/professional certificates, transcripts, Birth Certificate, other testimonials and a proposal/study plan in the area of study (for PhD study only ), and a copy of online application form should be sent to:
Director, University Education
Ministry of Education,
P. O. Box 9583 – 00200
NAIROBI

Or delivered to: Telposta Towers, 27th floor, Room 2702. The same can be emailed through directoruniversities2018@gmail.com

7. Only shortlisted applicants (who shall be informed by email or phone call from only phone number 0771842051 shall be invited for interview.

The preliminary and online application forms should reach the Ministry not later than Tuesday,19th January, 2021 by 5pm.

NB:
1. The Ministry of Education is the designated Agent for the Hungary Government scholarships. It is mandatory for all interested applicants to go through the Ministry’s preliminary selection process.
2. Preference for nominations at postgraduate level will be given to teaching staff in the Universities and University Constituent Colleges.

Lower Primary (Grade 1-3) New CBC Learning Areas/ Subjects

Lower Primary (Grade 1-3) New CBC Learning Areas/ Subjects.

(i)              Literacy.

(ii)            Indigenous language activities/ Braille Literacy Activities.

(iii)           Kiswahili Language Activities/ Kenya Sign Language for learners who are deaf.

(iv)           English Language Activities.

(v)            Mathematical Activities Environmental Activities.

(vi)           Hygiene and Nutrition Activities.

(vii)         Environmental Activities.

(viii)        Religious Education Activities.

(ix)           Movement and Creative Activities.

Lower Primary (Grade 1-3) (i)              Literacy.

(ii)            Indigenous language activities/ Braille Literacy Activities.

(iii)           Kiswahili Language Activities/ Kenya Sign Language for learners who are deaf.

(iv)           English Language Activities.

(v)            Mathematical Activities Environmental Activities.

(vi)           Hygiene and Nutrition Activities.

(vii)         Environmental Activities.

(viii)        Religious Education Activities.

(ix)           Movement and Creative Activities.

2025 Kenyan Schools’ Term Dates/ Academic Calendar

2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR: PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY & JUNIOR SCHOOL TERM DATES 2025

2025 Term 2 Dates: April 28, 2025 to August 1, 2025

2025 Term 2 Duration: 14 weeks

2025 Term 2 Half Term Break: June 25, 2025 to June 29, 2025

2025 Term 2 Half Term Break Duration: 5 days

2025 Term 2 Holiday (August Holiday): August 4, 2025 to August 22, 2025

2025 Term 2 Holiday Duration: 3 weeks

Continue reading: 2025 School Calendar (Term Dates) for Pre-primary, Primary, Junior & Secondary schools and colleges

PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY & JUNIOR SCHOOL 2025 TERM 3 DETAILS

2025 Term 3 Dates: August 25, 2025 to October 24, 2025

2025 Term 3 Duration: 9 weeks

2025 Term 3 Half Term Break: October 27, 2025 to October 30, 2025

2025 Term 3 Half Term Break Duration: No halfterm break in Term 3

2025 Term 3 Holiday (December Holiday): October 27, 2025 to January 2, 2026

Schools Receive Sh16.3 Billion For Third Term

Junior Secondary, free primary and secondary schools have received Ksh16.3 billion in capitation funds from the Government. The funds are for third term

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said that junior secondary will receive Ksh1.75 billion, another Ksh1.56 billion for Free Primary Education (FPE) and Ksh12.9 billion for Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE).

Kipsang made the remarks as he directed all field officials and institutional administrators that all school activities involving parents and other stakeholders are not allowed during the Third Term to allow for adequate preparations ahead of the national exams set to start on October 30.

“All schools opened for the Third Term of the 2023 academic calendar on August 28, which is scheduled to run until October 27 to pave the way for the national exams season,” the PS, in a statement.

“To ensure normal running of all school activities, the Ministry of Education has received Sh16.24 billion as capitation funds from the National Treasury for disbursement to learners in public Primary, Junior and Secondary,” he added.

The PS assured all schools that the funds would be wired to respective school accounts by September 20 to facilitate the smooth delivery of targeted learning activities.

“A detailed breakdown of the funds and guidelines on their prudent utilisation have been dispatched to schools in line with Government regulations,” the PS said.

He assured that in the 2022/2023 Financial Year, the Ministry of Education fully disbursed a total of Sh89,4 billion as capital for Primary, Junior and Secondary school learning.

Here are the Circulars from the Ministry of Education on the Capitation Funds:

MPs offer support bill to embed national values in school curriculum

MPs offer support bill to embed national values in school curriculum

Members of Parliament (MPs), the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Education have expressed their support for a Bill aimed at integrating national values into the school curriculum.

The various stakeholders have referred to the Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – sponsored by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi – which seeks to actualize Article 10 of the Constitution as a transformative measure that will revolutionize the education sector upon its implementation.

MPs serving on the education committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, stated that the bill will introduce essential reforms to foster a sense of shared identity and responsibility among young Kenyans and to cultivate a future generation that is both values-oriented and economically empowered.

During a meeting, Omondi articulated that once the bill is enacted, it should be mandatory for all civil servants in the public service to undergo a six-month course on the same.

Omondi, who advocated for the bill, revealed that its implementation will incur expenses of Sh320 million to taxpayers, based on an analysis conducted by the Budget Committee.

Omondi clarified that the Bill’s principal innovations include the formal introduction of a subject area referred to as “nationhood science,” which encompasses civic education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibilities.

He asserted that the bill will significantly contribute to instilling values among Kenyans and learners once it is implemented.

He stated: “Nationhood science signifies our intention to inculcate what the framers of the Constitution envisioned from lower educational levels to tertiary levels. This pertains to Nationhood Science – the subject that embodies the essence and spirit of Kenya, and which, if enacted, will guide Kenya toward achieving greatness. ”

Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, who served as the sessional chair, remarked: “I believe this should indeed be introduced even at the early education level. All civil servants and individuals in public service should undertake a six-month course. This is essential as the challenges arise at the point of employment following schooling. ”

Kibra MP Peter Orero, who endorsed the bill, however, inquired about the financial implications should it be enacted.

He remarked: “I consider the concept to be very commendable. Will there be a formative and/or summative assessment for this? What are the financial implications, and will there be provisions to retrain and reskill our educators? ”

Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei described the bill as highly progressive and one that will transform the education sector.

The Bill aims to amend four pivotal pieces of legislation — the Universities Act, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, the Basic Education Act, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Act — in a move that Caroli asserts will align the education sector with Article 10 of the Constitution.

CEMASTEA Circular, Link for Senior School Teachers

REPUBLIC OF KENYA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
STATE DEPARTMENT FOR BASIC EDUCATION
Telegram: “EDUCATION”
Telephone: 058-30695
Email Address: cdekisii@gmail.com
When replying please quote
COUNTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

ALL PRINCIPALS OF SENIOR SCHOOLS, KISII COUNTY.

RE: DATA FOR SENIOR SCHOOL STEM TEACHERS IN PREPARATION FOR TRAINING ON CBE

Learners from Junior School Grade 9 under the Competency Based Education (CBE) will be transitioning to Senior Schools in 2026. CEMASTEA in line with its mandate is therefore planning to capacity build Senior School STEM teachers on Competency Based Education (CBE). This will ensure realization of Ministry of Education’s policy of having 60% of learners pursuing STEM education.

CEMASTEA therefore intends to obtain the details of this target group to enable it plan for the program.
The targeted teachers should be those teaching:-

  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Agriculture
  • Home Science and
  • All Technical Subjects.

They should fill their details using the online form provided via the link: https://shorturl.at/poljB.
The form should be filled by latest 23/06/2025 at 5.00 p.m.
COUNTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.

REPUBLIC OF KENYA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
STATE DEPARTMENT FOR BASIC EDUCATION
Telegram: “EDUCATION”
Telephone: 058-30695
Email Address: cdekisii@gmail.com
When replying please quote
COUNTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

ALL PRINCIPALS OF SENIOR SCHOOLS, KISII COUNTY.

RE: DATA FOR SENIOR SCHOOL STEM TEACHERS IN PREPARATION FOR TRAINING ON CBE

Learners from Junior School Grade 9 under the Competency Based Education (CBE) will be transitioning to Senior Schools in 2026. CEMASTEA in line with its mandate is therefore planning to capacity build Senior School STEM teachers on Competency Based Education (CBE). This will ensure realization of Ministry of Education’s policy of having 60% of learners pursuing STEM education.

CEMASTEA therefore intends to obtain the details of this target group to enable it plan for the program.
The targeted teachers should be those teaching:-

  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Agriculture
  • Home Science and
  • All Technical Subjects.

They should fill their details using the online form provided via the link: https://shorturl.at/poljB.
The form should be filled by latest 23/06/2025 at 5.00 p.m.
COUNTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.

CBC Implementation: Final Findings and Recommendations by the Presidential Working Committee on Edyucation

Findings on Basic Education

The PWPER commenced its work when the implementation of CBC was completing the Primary School cycle (Grade 6). The stakeholders acknowledged the value of CBC in terms of skills acquisition, collaborative action among learners, new pedagogy, linking learning to the community, and parental involvement.

However, stakeholders raised concerns on the high number of learning areas in Primary and Junior Secondary school; overloads and overlaps of the curriculum; high cost of actualizing CBC passed to parents; challenges of internet and electricity connectivity that negatively affected digital literacy; and low literacy and numeracy levels for foundational learning.

In addition, the domiciling of Junior Secondary School was raised as an issue of concern across the counties with an overwhelming majority (93%) proposing its hosting at the current Primary School. Majority of stakeholders pointed that teachers were inadequately trained on CBC; infrastructure and learning resources were inadequate; parallel roles and structures by the TSC and MoE jeopardised quality assurance and efficiency; categorisation of public Secondary schools promoted exclusion; and that key tenets guiding CBC were not fully mainstreamed in all the dimensions of learning.

Further there was inadequate sensitization of parents on their roles; teacher training for CBC implementation was inadequate, the Community Service Learning, though great in concept, its implementation remain costly and time consuming.

The findings showed that EMIS did not capture data for all school-age children, those above 18, and students in Tertiary and vocational institutions. The governance of Pre-school introduced bottlenecks with both national and county governments playing a role without a clear working framework.

The Boards of management were bloated causing a financial strain to schools. The Indigenous and Foreign languages lacked teachers and textbooks in school denying learners opportunities to pursue them.

The career pathways at Senior School was not well understood especially how learners would be placed. In general, the stakeholders opined that CBC provided learners with relevant competencies and values for life. However the challenges of implementation threatened to wipe out the gains.

Findings on Tertiary Education

Education reform at the Tertiary level is driven by national development imperatives and the demand of the socio-economic enterprises and industry.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has the potential to spur rapid economic growth using modern technologies; and commits the youthful population into employment that yield innovations and enterprises.

To realise the full benefits of TVETs, certain interventions need to be put in place to address the following: Lack of a clear framework and structures to operationalise partnerships and linkages between institutions and industry; recognition of prior learning to promote lifelong learning; operationalisation of credit accumulation and transfer; lack of career progression and transfer guidelines for trainees; embracing apprenticeship as part of TVET learning; and low support and involvement of Special Needs Education in TVET.

The current governance and funding arrangement of Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) impede their growth and quality of output.

Kenya has experienced phenomenal growth in University education since Independence, currently having 78 Universities. However, there are critical issues bedeviling the performance of the Universities as evidenced by low Global University rankings; low enrolment of international students; and weak structures of governance and funding.

The composition of University Councils; appointment of Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors and top management; quality of research output and innovation; and operationalisation of an Open University are critical areas of concern, if the Kenyan Universities are to remain globally competitive, and industry-responsive.

The stakeholders proposed a review of the governance structure of the student councils and welfare issues of the non-teaching staff.

It was further observed that the existence of several bodies and government agencies with overlapping mandates contributes to multiplicity of standards and qualifications leading to wastage and inefficiencies.

There exists ambiguities, inconsistencies and constraints in various legislation that create loopholes for multiple allocation of funds to the same beneficiaries at the expense of others; poor employer-employee relations; non-operationalisation of policies and guidelines; conflicts due to weak governance structures; and compromise of quality of service delivery.

The education sector does not operate in a vacuum, but is influenced by many external factors. The PWPER scanned the horizon on a raft of cross-cutting issues, pertinent and contemporary, that have potential to impact on education. The issues of climate change; appreciation and integration of indigenous knowledge; internationalisation of University education; and proper utilisation of the widening digital space must inform education reform.

There is need to curb the rising cases of teenage pregnancies; early marriages; radicalisation and extremism; drug and substance abuse; and students’ unrest and bullying. Education reform need to promote mental health; appreciation and care of the environment; inculcation of values; and preparedness in emergencies and disasters.

Conclusion and Recommendations

On the basis of these findings, the PWPER concludes that effective implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum at all levels of education provides a strong foundation for transforming education, training and research for sustainable development in Kenya. The key recommendations include:

  1. Ministry of Education to adopt a Comprehensive School system (PP1 — Grade 9) comprising Pre-Primary, Primary school and Junior School managed as one The term “Secondary” be dropped from the current Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary School.
  2. Kenya should prioritise investing in foundational learning to avert future crisis in education. Basic literacy, numeracy and transferable skills such as social, emotional skills ensures essential blocks for acquiring higher order
  3. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to reduce the number of learning areas from 9 to 7 at Lower Primary; 12 to 8 at Upper Primary; 14 to 9 at Junior School in order to address overload and overlaps. The learning areas at Pre-Primary to be 5 and at Senior School to be
  4. Ministry of Education to discontinue the current categorisation of public Secondary schools as National, Extra-county, County and Sub-county; and adopt a categorization based on career pathways for Senior
  5. Rename Education Management Information System (EMIS) to Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS); and the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to integrate registration of births and to capture students in tertiary and vocational institutions as well as school-age learners who are out of
  6. The Ministry of Education to establish Kenya School of Teacher and Education Management (KeSTEM) to coordinate In-service training; and Kenya Teacher Training College (KeTTC) to undertake administration of all Pre-service Teacher
  7. To resolve overlapping mandate in Quality Assurance and Standards function in Basic Education, transfer the Quality Assurance and Standards functions at TSC to the Ministry of Education. In addition strengthen the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards at the State Department of Basic Education.
  8. In order to attract, develop and retain effective teachers, there be a one-year mandatory retooling program for all graduates of pre-service training to be CBC- compliant; and a one-year mandatory internship program upon completion of pre-service training before being registered into the teaching
  9. Implement a minimum essential package to cushion schools with enrolment below the optimum level. The recommended amounts are Ksh. 70,200 for Pre- Primary; Ksh. 537,120 for Primary level; Ksh. 2,030,805 for Junior School; Ksh. 3,041,145 for Senior School; and Ksh. 1,890,000 for Special Needs Education.
  10. Implement revised capitation in view of the realities of CBC as follows: Ksh 1,170 for Pre-Primary; 2,238 for Primary level; Ksh. 15,043 for Junior School; Ksh. 22,527 for Senior School (Day); Ksh. 19,800 for SNE (Day) and Ksh. 38,280 for SNE (Boarding); and consider increasing the grant for ACE. The capitation and grants to be reviewed every three years.
  11. Coordinate the management of bursaries and scholarships under the Kenya Basic Education Bursaries and Scholarship Council as a successor to the Jomo Kenyatta
  12. The Ministry of Education to develop guidelines for accelerated education programs for marginalised groups, learners with special needs and adult and continuing education, to enhance equitable access and
  13. Institutionalise linkages of TVETs with industries and government projects; and develop pathways for continuity between TVET and Universities and vice
  14. Adopt a sustainable financing model for University education that combines grants/scholarship, loans and household contributions for differentiated categories of students as vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy in order to address equitable access and inclusion in
  15. Enact the proposed Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill to amalgamate HELB, UFB and TVET Fund to enhance efficiency in higher education funding.
  16. National Government and County Governments to develop a financing framework for ring-fencing resources for
  17. The Government to operationalise the Open University in Kenya with the first cohort of students being admitted in September,
  18. To strengthen governance of the University sector, undertake amendments to the Universities Act to amongst others, exclude Public Service Commission (PSC) in the appointment process of Chancellors, provide for a selection panel in the appointment of Chancellors and Council members, and empower Councils to be responsible for appointment of Vice-Chancellors and other top management of
  19. Institutionalise environmental conservation and climate change action in all learning
  20. Introduce a mandatory three (3) months community service programme for graduates of Senior School before joining Tertiary institutions and a further nine (9) months of mandatory community service after completion of Tertiary education. A certificate of compliance to the community service to be issued as proof before admission into the world of work.
  1. Government of Kenya to develop internal capacity of KNEC to print national

The rest of the recommendations are contained at the end of each chapter. 

In order to effectively implement the recommendations in this Report, it is recommended that there be established a Committee to be known as Ministerial Education Reform Implementation Advisory Committee (MERIAC). The membership of the committee shall include representation from the PWPER to provide institutional memory. The mandate of the committee shall be spelt out by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education.

Get your fees refunds from schools- Government tells parents

Schools have been ordered to refund all fees paid by parents for term 2 and 3. This is after education cabinet secretary prof George Magoha asked primary and secondary schools’ parents to collect all unused fees from respective schools.

On her part, State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena on Tuesday, July 8 advised parents wishing to get school fees refunds to approach school administration and chart a way forward.. Her statement came a day after Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha confirmed that schools would remain closed until 2021.

This comes after Prof. Magoha on Tuesday announced that the 2020 academic year will be considered lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Magoha announced that all primary and secondary schools will reopen in January, 2021; when the infection rates would have declined.

Magoha, however, advised that parents could also choose to carry forward the amount to 2021 to cater for fees when schools re-open.

During a radio interview on Wednesday, the government spokesperson agreed to the concerns of parents; mostly those who had cleared their 2020 school fees. Most hit, though, are parents with children in private schools; considering the fact that such schools charge high fees.

Kanze advised parents to approach Headteachers and Principals of schools on the way forward.

“Parents will need to communicate and reach agreements with the schools, if they want refunds or the amount carried forward,” she advised.

She added that many schools opted to continue with online teaching; just to prepare the learners for national examinations, in case they were to be held in 2020. She said schools and parents can find ways of engaging the learners while at home for the remaining many months.

“They did not want their students to be unprepared if it was announced that exams would be held this year. These online classes are also being offered by different groups and I think (many parents) do not want their children to be idle.. You have to realize that there are still a lot of months left to the end of the year, so it is important for children to also be engaged while at home” she added.

NO KCSE, KCPE EXAMS IN 2020

On Tuesday, CS Magoha said there will be no KCSE and KCPE examinations this year. All learners in primary and secondary schools will have to repeat their current classes next year.

Kanze said public schools that had received school fees capitation from the government will have to utilize the money in other projects and should wait for guidelines from the ministry of education. The schools have already refunded funds meant for co-curricular activities after they were ordered by the ministry to do so.

According to Kanze, the decision to post-pone the national examinations was arrived after considering learners in remote areas; who may not have access to the current online teaching programs offered by KICD.

“You might have wi-fi and the child has their own mobile device for e-learning, but think about that child in a remote place and attends Makwekwe Primary School. They don’t have wi-fi. Don’t you think if we test them on the same level we will be violating that child’s rights?” Kanze posed.

This latest move by the government will be a big sigh of relief for most parents who have been pushing for fees refunds. But, this directive may add more insult to injury for teachers and support staff whose salaries are drawn from students’ fees.

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Education stakeholders propose ways to minimize Gender Based Violence (GBV)

During a sensitization meeting held on Monday at Technology Primary School in Murang’a town, Murang’a East sub-county Director for Education Samuel Ruitha said that children are affected by GBV and that parents, teachers and the community at large have been cautioned to guard against this vice in an effort to boost the quality of education in the county.

“All stakeholders ought to take precautions that all pupils in schools and at home are not exposed to any type of violence,” said Ruitha adding that children required a peaceful environment for them to grow up well and concentrate in class.

Gender Based Violence is violence directed to a person’s biological sex or gender identity and occurs in various forms, with most rampant cases being physical and sexual violence.

The vice knows no social or economic boundaries and affects both girls and boys of all socio-economic backgrounds.

The director observed that GBV in school-going children leads to poor academic performance, school dropouts, early marriages, class absenteeism and low self-esteem among the victims among other effects.

“It is the government’s policy that we should have one hundred per cent transition of pupils going from primary schools to secondary schools or and at any education level,” he said adding that GBV is one of the factors that could inhibit this transition and cause untold suffering to the victims if it is not nipped in the bud.

He said that the Ministry of Education in partnership with the World Bank has come up with a programme dubbed Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project (SEQUIP) that seeks to enable education stakeholders to address challenges like gender based violence that affect the quality of education.

“SEQUIP aims at enhancing retention in upper primary and transition from primary to secondary education in targeted areas through improving school infrastructure and provision of scholarship, mentorship, advocacy, gender sensitization and social support,” he said.

On his part, Murang’a East Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Nyoro thanked the stakeholders for coming together to deliberate on the issues that lead to GBV and the impact it has on the quality of education.

“Gender based violence in schools and homes should be avoided at all costs,” he said adding that such vices were affecting the upbringing of our children in a negative way and in turn caused them to perform poorly in schools among other effects.

He said that cases of violence should be reported immediately to the police and other relevant authorities like the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs when witnessed.

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