Machogu Warns Head Teachers Against Sending Away Junior Secondary Learners Because of Fees, Uniform
On Monday, January 30th, 2023, the first cohort of grade 7 students joined junior secondary schools in Kenya.
Despite the excitement, many parents were confused about the required school uniform and where to buy it.
However, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has cleared up any confusion by stating that parents can purchase uniforms from their preferred vendors as soon as the schools notify them of the color and type.
The CS also emphasized that junior secondary school (JSS) education is free in all public schools and the government will provide capitation for each student.
No money should be paid for registration or any additional levies. He expects 100% transition to JSS and wants to avoid any students being sent away due to uniform issues.
Another concern for JSS parents has been the textbooks their children will use in grade 7. Last week, the Education Ministry launched a distribution drive for the grade 7 textbooks and teacher guides.
Machogu stated that these items will be available for all public schools by February 17th and private schools will have to purchase them. He also emphasized that only textbooks from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) list should be used and that the normal school calendar is from 8 am to 3.45 pm.
The syllabus should be covered without causing undue stress to the students.
Regarding the shortage of infrastructure in schools, the ministry has asked members of Parliament to use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct laboratories in schools.
This will help to provide a suitable learning environment for the students.
Machogu Warns Head Teachers Against Sending Away Junior Secondary Learners Because of Fees, Uniform
