Transition guidelines for Grade 9 learners now ready, says CS

ALICE WANJIRU-KNA

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Migos Ogamba, has assured the country that the process of choosing senior school pathways for the current Grade 9 learners is proceeding without a hitch.

This follows the successful development of transition and placement guidelines by the ministry, in collaboration with all stakeholders, he said.

The CS directed all heads of junior schools to activate their career masters to work with the parents of Grade 9 learners to ensure they have the right information to guide the candidates in making appropriate choices.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony for 353 teachers at Tambach TTC in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the CS said the ministry is impressed that the transition of learners from junior to senior school next year is going on smoothly.

Noting that the graduates were the first cohort under the Competency-Based Teacher Education (CBTE)program, Ogamba said their training was designed to prepare teachers who are not only knowledgeable but also skilled, reflective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of 21st-century learners.

“The National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2023- 2027 calls for the retooling of all teacher educators for the effective implementation of the CBTE curriculum,” he said. 

Highlighting the importance of teachers in the ongoing implementation of Competency-Based Education, the CS said the ministry is committed to ensuring that all teacher training institutions are well-equipped to deliver quality education to teacher trainees.

He commended the college for its achievements in a wide range of co-curricular activities, which he said formed an important component of a complete education.

He noted that under the CBTE, learning is not confined to the classroom but extends to co-curricular activities that foster resilience and invaluable qualities in the teaching profession.

“The diverse and inclusive range of learning areas and co-curricular activities offered under the CBTE provides an opportunity for the development of teacher trainees who can identify and utilize opportunities to deliver the curriculum in different learning environments,” he said.

Pledging the ministry’s support in the development of the college’s infrastructure, the CS called on the board to complement state funding by exploring income-generating activities that can be used to fund key priority areas.

He urged the board to continue collaborating with stakeholders and partners such as the NG-CDF, the county government, and other well-wishers to enhance infrastructural development.

Noting that the state had disbursed a total recurrent grant of Sh31.4 million to the college in three financial years, Ogamba emphasized the board’s significant oversight role in ensuring prudent financial transparency, accountability of the college’s resources.