Kericho: The government is undertaking a significant infrastructure project to construct 327 new classrooms in Kericho County. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth transition for learners to Senior Schools under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is being executed in phases across all six sub-counties in Kericho. It is part of a broader national effort to enhance senior school infrastructure and accommodate the increasing student population. The Kericho County Director of Education, Mr. Julius Ngoneshi, stated that 215 classrooms have been completed under Phases One and Two and are now operational. These completed classrooms have alleviated congestion in schools, providing a conducive learning environment for students moving into Senior School.
In Phase One, 45 classrooms were completed, including 7 in Soin/Sigowet, 9 in Belgut, 6 in Kipkelion, 14 in Bureti, and 9 in Londiani. Phase Two added 170 more classrooms, with Bureti leading at 42, followed by Belgut with 25. Soin/Sigowet contributed 20, while Kipkelion and Londiani jointly completed 21 classrooms.
Ngoneshi highlighted that Phase Three is currently in progress, with 25 classrooms allocated for construction. This includes five classrooms each in Bureti and Belgut, one in Soin/Sigowet, and additional classrooms distributed across 25 schools in Kipkelion and Londiani sub-counties. Budgeting for this phase is ongoing.
Phase Four shows varying construction progress by sub-county. Soin/Sigowet was allocated 28 classrooms, with 25 under construction and two at 50% completion. In Belgut, five classrooms have been completed; Kipkelion has nine, Bureti three, and Londiani 23, with one nearing 75% completion.
Ngoneshi emphasized, "These numbers show how seriously we and our partners are working to give every child in Kericho County a good place to learn. We are confident that the new facilities will support the CBC rollout and help shape a better future for our learners."
The education system in Kenya is transitioning from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) model. This shift focuses on learners progressing based on mastery of competencies, including critical thinking, digital literacy, communication, and creativity. Mathematics, now compulsory in senior school, has been reinstated, with pure mathematics for STEM students and a simplified version for Arts, Sports, or Social Sciences pathways.
The Ministry of Education is investing in classroom construction, particularly for Junior (Grades 7-9) and Senior Schools (Grades 10-12). The goal is to equip schools to function as triple- or double-pathway institutions offering STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science tracks.