Gov’t To Construct 962 Classrooms In Marginalized Areas

NAIROBI, Kenya, May, 18 – The Government is set to construct some 962 classrooms in secondary schools in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and marginalized areas in Kenya, the Principal Secretary for State Department for Early Learning and Basic Education Dr. Julius Jwan has said.

He said the classrooms to be built in 561 secondary schools in 30 counties in ASALs, and marginalized areas will be ready in December.

Jwan spoke when he addressed members of the Joint Mission of Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project (SEQIP) at Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology (CEMASTEA) in Karen yesterday.

Present included the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, Director of Project Coordination, Mr. Elijah Mungai, World Bank Senior Education Specialist, Ms. Ruth Charo, and Director CEMASTEA, Mrs. Jacinta L. Agatha.

The focus is on improving student learning in secondary education, and transition from primary to secondary education.

Jwan thanked the World Bank for the support it has given the government in enhancing retention and quality education in the country and in ASALs and marginalized parts of the country under the auspices of SEQIP.

SEQIP targets 7,852 Primary Schools and 2,147 secondary schools in 110 Sub-Counties in the 30 Counties.

A total of 859 laboratories will be built in 785 schools, and 1,843 eight-door sanitation facilities in 1783 primary schools. One door in each of the schools will be adapted for Special Needs Education.

The members of the joint mission, comprising officials from the World Bank, Ministries of Education, and National Treasury, will conduct a two-day assessment of the status of the implementation of the project on Thursday and Friday in five of the Counties benefiting from the Project.