The Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha has assured all contractors working on the new Competency-Based Curriculum projects that they will receive their payment once the work is completed in line with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines.
According to CS Magoha, the government received a total of Sh. 3.2 billion was meant for payment of contractors four months ago. Since that time, 1,300 contractors have now received their dues which are being paid via MPESA.
While attending an inspection tour on the progress of CBC Classrooms in Keiyo North constituency located within Elgeyo Marakwet County, CS Magoha directed contractors yet to complete to do within the next ten days.
“We are entering the second phase of the construction in the coming months and we cannot proceed if the first phase is not complete,” said Prof Magoha.
According to the CS, only one classroom has been completed in Kerio Valley and regrettably promised to make sure the classes are built even if it means that the army has to be called to assist in providing much-needed security.
“We will ensure classrooms are built even if we have to bring the army there,” promised CS Magoha.
Magoha assured if the government conducted national examinations in the area, then there is no reason why classes cannot be built in Kerio Valley. He added that all Kenyan students have the right to access education facilities regardless of where they stay.
CS Magoha also recognized the efforts made by Private schools to start the construction of CBC classrooms saying that they would begin inspecting them to ensure that they have been built in line with the established standards of construction.
He also implored private schools especially those in major cities like Eldoret, Nairobi and Kisumu to build classes to accommodate students who are transitioning from primary to junior secondary school.
He revealed that in the placement of students that is set to be released tomorrow that many students are competing for slots in public schools.
On the placement of Form Ones in secondary schools, the CS urged parents and learners to accept the placement results claiming that all schools are the same and that the Teachers Service Commission will be placing teachers who are qualified in secondary schools in Kenya.
Prof George Magoha has also warned that the government will not stand interference in the ongoing marking of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.