Nairobi: The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Migos Ogamba, has assured the country that the process of making senior school choices for current Grade 9 learners is proceeding smoothly. Ogamba emphasized that this follows the successful development of transition and placement guidelines formulated by the Ministry in collaboration with all stakeholders.
According to Kenya News Agency, the CS has instructed all heads of junior schools to activate their career masters to collaborate with the parents of Grade 9 learners. This initiative aims to ensure that parents are well-informed to guide their children in making appropriate choices. Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 353 teachers at the Tambach TTC in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Ogamba expressed satisfaction with the seamless transition of learners from junior to senior school scheduled for next year.
Ogamba highlighted that the graduating teachers are the inaugural cohort under the Competency-Based Teacher Education (CBTE) program. This training is tailored to produce educators who are knowledgeable, skilled, reflective, and responsive to the evolving demands 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 noted.
Emphasizing the crucial role of teachers in implementing Competency-Based Education, the CS reiterated the Ministry's commitment to equipping teacher training institutions to provide quality education. He praised the college's achievements in co-curricular activities, which he acknowledged as vital to a holistic education. Under the CBTE, learning extends beyond the classroom to include activities that build resilience and essential qualities in the teaching profession.
Ogamba also pledged the Ministry's support in developing the college's infrastructure and encouraged the board to augment government funding by exploring income-generating activities. He urged continued collaboration with stakeholders and partners, such as the NG-CDF, the county government, and well-wishers, to bolster infrastructural development.
Highlighting financial transparency, Ogamba noted that the government had allocated a total recurrent grant of sh. 31.4 million to the college over three financial years from 2022/2023 to 2024/2025. He stressed the board's oversight role in ensuring financial accountability and management, advocating for adherence to the approved International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) model.
Addressing calls to upgrade the college to a university, the CS stated that the Ministry is awaiting an assessment from the Commission for University Education (CUE). He added that the government desires to establish a specialized university in the area. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Principal Secretary (PS) Finance Dr. Chris Kiptoo, PS Forest Gitonga Mugambi, Governor Wisley Rotich, and area MP Adams Kipsanai, among other dignitaries.