Government begins distribution of Grade Nine textbooks to schools

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during the official opening of Junior Secondary classrooms at Ober Boy’s Boarding Primary School, Rachuonyo East sub-county in Homa Bay county. [James Omoro, Standard]

The Ministry of Education has announced that schools will receive Grade Nine textbooks by December 15, 2024 to enhance implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

Speaking during the official opening of four Junior Secondary School classrooms at Ober Boys’ Boarding Primary School, Rachuonyo East Sub-County in Homa Bay county, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba assured that all schools will receive the text books.

Ogamba who was accompanied by Nyanza Regional Director of Education Nelson Sifuna, Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan and Homa Bay County Director of Education Eunice Khaemba, said they have begun distributing the books to schools.

“All the books have been prepared and the distribution is going on. All schools will get the books by December 15,” he said.

The CS directed head teachers to remain in schools until they receive the books.

“If your school hasn’t received the books, know that they are on they are on the way. We agreed with head teachers to wait in schools until the books are delivered,” he said.

Ogamba assured that the government is keen on ensuring full implementation of CBC through provision of the necessary learning materials.

The CS said construction of Grade 9 classrooms is nearing completion. The Grade Nine will be domiciled in primary schools in line with the Presidential Working Party report.

Ogamba noted that they need at least 16,000 new classrooms across the country to support the transition to Grade Nine.

“We decided to devolve funds for construction of the classrooms and this has helped in quicker implementation of the projects. I assure Kenyans that the government is on the right track in CBC implementation,” he said.

He revealed that the government was in the process of recruiting additional 20,000 teachers after hiring 46,000 on permanent and pensionable terms.

“The government is committed to solving understaffing which affects implementation of the CBC. We are committed to making CBC a success at all levels,” Ogamba said.