The government has launched a major initiative to build 9,000 classrooms for Grade 9 pupils across the country.
This project, estimated to cost about Sh9 billion, aims to improve educational infrastructure under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) programme.
Dr Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, stressed the programme’s objectives of reducing regional educational disparities, improving retention rates of girls in upper primary grades and ensuring equitable education provision.
According to a June 13 circular circulated to regional, county and sub-county education directors, the construction of each classroom will cost Sh1 million.
The funding, which will come mainly from the World Bank’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) initiative, aims to complete 16,000 classrooms by January, with the first phase comprising 9,000 classrooms. Additional funds are provided through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Schools receiving classrooms must strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Education.
These include setting up project-specific accounts managed by the school management, ensuring transparency in financial transactions, and adhering to specific construction plans and quality standards.
The construction schedule calls for completion within three months from the date of contract signing, and payments will be made only for work completed according to the Cost of Quality (BQ) accounting.
Strict monitoring and compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015, as well as environmental and social protection measures, are mandatory. These measures aim to effectively manage risks and ensure project success, and include child protection, student safety, and waste disposal.
Project implementation and coordination involves multiple levels of oversight, from national to school level, to ensure efficient implementation and accountability. This initiative represents a crucial step towards improving educational facilities and opportunities for Grade 9 students across Kenya.
Source (https://teachersupdates.news/construction-of-9000-grade-nine-classrooms-begins/)