EDUCATION

Majority of Kenyan youth graduating from TVET institutions around the country have no skills to do work related to their areas of expertise, Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) Principal Secretary (PS) Esther Muoria has said.

Why children need to handle money at a young age

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Sweeping powers for primary heads under JSS

By Roy Hezron

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has empowered primary school head teachers to make financial decisions for Junior Secondary School (JSS), effectively putting them in charge of both levels of education.

Days after Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu directed that the Board of Management (BoM) of a primary school that hosts JSS will constitute a special sub-committee to manage JSS, the MoE has now come clear on what the committee will do.

In the ‘Guidelines for Implementation of Junior Secondary Education’ released by the State Department for Basic Education, the special sub-committee will spearhead the operationalisation

the primary school BoM shall accord the JSS Management Committee (JSS-MC) special powers and responsibilities on financial matters, including operational decision making autonomy.

The JSS-MC on the other hand shall open and operate at least three bank accounts, specifically for tuition capitation, operations capitation funds and infrastructure grants.

However, the ministry has directed that all the above bank accounts for public JSSs shall be opened upon issuance of an introductory letter from the Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE).

Recently, Machogu stated that the government will set aside Ksh5,000 per learner as capitation to facilitate free learning in all public JSSs. Though the MoE

facilities, lunch and shared transport programmes will now be required to open and operate a School Fund Bank Account for deposit of boarding, lunch and transport fees, as well as payment of related expenses.

The JSS-MC were further required to develop an annual work plan and budget, which will be approved by the primary school BoM and SCDE before the commencement of the first term of academic year 2023.

Hiring of staff in the public JSSs shall be guided by the amount of capitation grants for personnel emoluments available and the recommended number of non-teaching staff.

However, the hiring will take into account the cost of labour, critical skills deficit for learning support, mitigation of critical risk exposures, vulnerability to loss of assets and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

“The JSS-MC shall ensure that skilled and qualified non-teaching staff serve appropriately in both the primary school and JSS when and where applicable; subject to mutual agreement between both parties,” added the guidelines.

By Roy Hezron

of JSS and manage resources of the institution during the one year transition period effective from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

The head teacher of the host primary school will serve as secretary to the committee, while the chairperson will be a member of the committee.

The special sub-committee will be in charge of financial management of public JSSs during the transition period.

The primary school and JSS will operate separate bank accounts.

Except for BoM chairperson of the primary school, and secretary who is the primary school head in charge of the JSS, all other signatories of the JSS bank accounts shall be different from the signatories of the primary school bank accounts.

According to the guidelines,

recently released guidelines, it has stated it shall periodically be providing guidance in regard to the total capitation available per learner and school, the items or vote heads funded under capitation, and infrastructure grants to be disbursed to the JSS.

A total of 1,253,577 learners who sat their 2022 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams in 32,555 centres across the country reported back to their previous primary schools for JSS at Grade 7 on January 30, 2023.

“The MoE SHALL ensure disbursement of the due capitation for first term on time (preferably by the end of January, 2023) to enable commencement of JSSs operations,” read the guidelines in part.

Further, as per the guidelines, all JSSs with boarding

All JSSs will also be required to maintain adequate books of accounts such as receipt books, cashbooks, permanent and consumable ledgers, inventory records, payment vouchers, class attendance registers, supplier registers/ledger, and asset movement registers.

They may utilize pre-qualified suppliers or suppliers of other public schools and pre-qualified contractors from public works identified through a competitive procurement process in line with Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (PPAD) Act of 2015.

The JSS-MC will also be required to establish and operationalize effective internal controls, prepare monthly trial balances, and respond to audit queries and recommendations from both internal and external auditors.

They will also be required to use the prescribed international annual financial reporting template formats for public secondary schools, which is the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for preparing their financial statements.

Govt merges schools that failed Grade 7 standards test

The government is planning to overhaul the structure of schooling to morph up all levels from pre-primary to senior secondary under one institution, bearing some semblance to the United Kingdom and some European Union countries.

This will ensure that learners smoothly transition through different levels in one place.

In the recently released Guidelines for Implementation of Junior Secondary Education (JSE) released in January, 2023, the so-to-be-called Comprehensive School will implement a broad curriculum that allows for optimal utilization of resources across all levels.

“The Ministry of Education (MoE) shall in the long term realign all existing schools into a composite school that amalgamates pre-primary, primary, Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) levels within one complex,” read the guidelines in part.

The guidelines stipulate that the Comprehensive School shall be managed by a common Board of Management (BoM) for the case of public schools; while for private schools it will be by BoM, Board of Directors or Board of Trustees.

The management committees, just as is the case now with the special sub-committee set up for JSS, shall be established to manage the various levels.

Further, the school shall be administered by one principal, or director for the case of private schools.

The school name will reflect the four levels; pre-primary, primary, JSS and SSS - though the bank account names shall be specific to the school level as is the case now for primary schools and JSSs.

In addition, the guidelines state that the Comprehensive School’s leadership shall develop a common 5-year Strategic Plan whose implementation will be monitored by the County Directors of Education (CDEs) and the Quality Assurance and Standard (QAS) Officers.

The school shall also adopt a common Vision, Mission, Motto and Core Values, which shall be developed in consultation with the school’s

» Page 4

moots allin-one schools in new policy shift

community in order to align with the Kenyan education sector aspirations.

Meanwhile, in the interim transition period on management and leadership of JSS, the guidelines have provided that the head teachers are going to be Secretary of the JSS Management Committee, which is a special sub-committee of the primary school Board of Management (BoM) that hosts JSS, while the chairperson shall be a member of the committee.

The special sub-committee will manage the JSS during the transition period between January 1, 2023 and December 30, 2023 in accordance with Section 61 (1) of the Basic Education Act, 2013.

According to the guidelines, the JSS Management Committee (JSS-MC) shall have representation from the teachers, parents or local community, sponsor, Persons with Disability (PWDs), and special interest groups as spelt out in Section 56 of the Basic Education Act (2013).

The JSS-MC chairperson shall be required to have a secondary school form four certificate and a Certificate of Good Conduct.

In appointing persons as members of the committee,

the nominating and appointing authority shall observe and respect the ethnic and regional diversity of the people of Kenya, impartiality and gender equity, and Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Once constituted, the JSSMC shall perform its functions as stated in Section 59 of the Basic Education Act (2013), which includes policy implementation, management of finances, physical facilities and staff, and guaranteeing learners’ welfare, quality education and school-community relations.

The guidelines also stipulate that all private JSSs shall establish and operationalise relevant educational and governance structures in accordance with the Basic Education Act, 2013, which may include BoMs, Boards of Directors or Boards of Trustees.

All the JSSs shall be required to establish a Parents Association (PA) in accordance with the Basic Education Act (2013), where the head of JSS will serve as secretary.

And in the case of sponsored schools, the guidelines stipulate that the sponsor of the primary school in which the JSS is domiciled shall automatically assume the role of sponsor for the respective JSS.

Govt

Primary school heads at the 18th KEPSHA conference in Mombasa in December 2022.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in solidarity with learners during the World Children Day 2022 in Nairobi.

Chewoyet Boys reaffirms success story in 2022 KCSE

By Martin Ruto

Chewoyet Boys National School has gradually established itself as the pride of West Pokot County.

Established in 1958 by the colonial government, the school has been an academic giant for decades after producing exemplary performances in national exams.

2022 was not an exception. Immediately schools reopened, students and West Pokot residents stormed the streets of Makutano town to celebrate the school’s excellent results. The top students were carried shoulder high and various trophies the school had acquired in the recent times were displayed for all to see.

The institution reaffirmed its niche in academic excellence by posting a mean of 8.306 up from 6.92 in 2021.

Out of the 279 registered candidates, 228 scored the minimum grade for direct university admission.

The best performances were as follows: A(1), A- (27), B+ (47) B (57),B-(50) and C+(46).

The top student who scored straight A was Kipkorir Kenan.

The school’s chief principal S.B. Kiminisi said the school’s good performance is as a result of concerted efforts of the students, teachers and parents.

“The school relies on team work from teachers and the sub-ordinate staff for its success,” said the chief principal.

He thanked the students for their high levels of discipline.

He added that they regularly counsel learners to guard them against external pressure.

The school has a farm and grade cows to supply food and milk to the students and teachers.

Chewoyet Boys sits on 295 acres of land. It is situated about 3km from Kapenguria town in a cool and conducive environment for learning.

The school’s vision is to be an institution of academic excellence while its mission is to empower the students’ well-being through the provision of quality learning and education.

The school has two deputy principals: Vincent Kemboi and Amos Gesike in charge of academics and administration respectively.

The Director of Studies is Ambrose Ongere while the HoD Clubs and

“A biometric system for both learners and teachers, which is linked to a mobile phone, has greatly improved accountability,” he added.

The principal requested all the stakeholders to assist in the construction of more infrastructure to support the rising school population.

Societies is Beadan Njoroge.

The school offers the following subjects: Computer, French, Geography Agriculture, Kiswahili, History, Physics, Biology, English, Chemistry, CRE, Business Studies and Mathematics.

Patroba Wafula, second best student with A-

Kipkorir Kenan, top candidate with A

Administration Block

Principal S. B Kiminisi rewarding one of the best students

Stakeholders cut cake to mark the celebrations

Students celebrating the good performance in 2022 KCSE

Beadan Njoroge, HoD Clubs

Vincent Kemboi, Deputy Principal Academics

Ambrose Ongere, DoS

Amos Gesike, Deputy Principal Administration

S. B Kiminisi, Chief Principal

NYANZA | KISII

Sports enthusiasts set out to nurture local talent

By Stephen Maranga

Retired teachers and sports personalities from Gusii have set out to nurture and train youthful sports enthusiasts from the region.

Samwel Bosire, a retired teacher, said sports veterans should be empowered to nurture the youth at the grassroot level with a view to uplifting the current low sporting standards in the larger Gusii region.

Bosire, who is Abagusii Culture and Development Council Secretary General, was speaking during Gusii Legends Truck and Field Club's Annual General Meeting in Kisii town.

He said sports is very important and called for recognition and utilization of such skills for the collective benefit of the country.

“Sports has transformed the lives of many Kenyans through wealth creation,” he noted, further challenging the two levels of government to financially empower the club's members to identify and mentor sportspeople.

“We should be engaged as attachees to sub-counties and invited to public meetings to create awareness on the sports so as to encourage the youth to embrace it,” he added.

The association's director Alfred Momanyi decried prevailing sports standards in Kisii and Nyamira counties, further claiming that the association was established to address such issues.

He cited financial constraints as a major challenge facing the club and appealed to political leaders, well-wishers and corporate organizations to support athletics through sponsorship.

During the same event, the following sports officials were elected: Gladys Kwamboka Asiba as chairperson, Samwel Nyangicha as vice, Edwin N. Maranga as secretary and Isabella Ochichi as assistant secretary.

Jackline Mongare was elected treasurer, Naftal Mayoyo was elected the public relations officer while Alfred Momanyi and Peter Oenga were elected directors.

NAKURU

Over 900 schools in Nakuru County certified to admit JSS learners

By Peter Otuoro

Over 900 primary schools in Nakuru County have been given the green light to admit learners joining Grade 7 from January 30, 2023.

Nakuru County Director of Education Fredrick Osewe said that out of 1,169 primary schools that were assessed, only 940 met the minimum requirements.

Out of this, 670 are public schools while the remaining are private.

However, he said the process was ongoing and the number could rise, saying that only 19 schools had not been assessed.

Among them are 97 public school and 24 private schools in Njoro Sub-county, and 81 primary schools and 40 private schools in Rongai Sub-county.

In Naivasha Sub-county, 109 primary schools were approved where 73 were public and 36 private schools.

In Kuresoi North Sub-county, 97 schools were approved where 84 were public while 13 were private schools.

In Kuresoi South Sub-county, 92 schools have been approved with 77 of them being public while 15 are private.

Gilgil Sub-county had 95 schools being approved to admit JSS learners; 65 were public and 30 private.

82 schools were approved in Molo Sub-county, 56 of them being public and 26 private, and in Nakuru North, 71 were approved; 39 public and 32 private.

In Nakuru East, 68 schools were approved for JSS; 36 public and 32 private. In Subukia Sub-county, 49 schools were approved; 44 of the schools were public while five were private.

In Nakuru West Sub-county, 35 were approved with 18 being public and 17 private.

By Roy Hezron

A number of Grade 7 learners have been transferred to other schools because their current centres do not have the required facilities and other requirements.

According to the Ministry of Education (MoE) registration guidelines checklist for public and private JSS 2023 as seen by Education News, the government is planning to come up with JSS Feeder Schools (JSS-FS), which will churn out this category of learners as a short to medium term measure.

“These will be primary schools that lack the enrolment and/or infrastructural capacity to domicile a JSS. In such cases, the MoE will transfer the learners to a neighbouring JSS or implement appropriate affirmative action to ensure 100 per cent transition,” reads the guideline in part.

In this case, the JSS-FS are those primary schools that have a low enrollment of less than 45 learners in high density areas and urban informal settlements.

Primary schools that lack the basic facilities to host a JSS will serve as feeder schools to other JSSs within a 2-kilometre radius.

The ministry further said that in geographically expansive, low density and insecurity prone areas, as well as for learners with special needs and disability, there will be implementation of affirmative action.

“In geographically expansive, low density and insecurity prone areas, as well as for learners with special needs and disability, the government through the MoE will implement affirmative action (as appropriate), regardless of the enrolments,” the guidelines added.

By Education News reporter

It is going to take the government at least three years to stabilize the Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), according to a 3-year Implementation Plan which contains a series of activities that will be undertaken in the interim before the period elapses.

In the plan, after the Ministry of Education (MoE) assessing suitability of primary schools to domicile JSS, an activity that ended in January this year, the JSS Management Committee (JSS-MC) has to be appointed between January and December 2023.

Thereafter the MoE, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have to sensitize education and TSC officers, JSS leadership and parents on the JSS guidelines from April 2023 to 2025.

After the sensitization process, public awareness will be conducted on the guidelines by the MoE, KICD, KNEC and TSC from January 2023 to December 2025. Effectively, MoE will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) is updated with data on JSS admissions from January 2023 to December 2026.

Then, MoE, KICD, KNEC and TSC, Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), and Centre for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) will further develop, validate and disseminate ‘Guidelines for Im-

Govt merges schools that have failed Grade 7 standards test

thority (NEMA) where applicable, and should have an office and a staffroom.

It should also have at least 2 additional classrooms for JSS, a room that can be equipped as a Science Room, space for agricultural projects and assorted farm tools, and special room that can be equipped with tools for pre-technical studies.

It should further have a special room that can be equipped for one optional subject offered, for example Home Science, Computer Science, and Visual Arts, among others; plus adequate play grounds/fields and suitable furniture.

Conditions to register as JSS

Registration guidelines for JSS allow a primary school with adequate land to host JSS, that is Grade 7 to 9.

It also requires land ownership documents that are either a valid title deed, lease agreement of the land and buildings (not less than 3 years) or Allotment letter.

Besides, it requires the land not to be located within 300 metres of a liquor selling outlet and as a result will have higher chances of being accredited to offer the Junior Secondary Education (JSE) curriculum.

The institution’s infrastructure should have approvals from the relevant authority; that is county government, National Construction Authority (NCA) and National Environmental Management Au-

There should also be safe and adequate water supply, which is 5 litres per learner for day and 20 litres per learner for boarding schools, as well as a reliable source of power such as a solar system, a connection to national power grid, or generator.

The primary school should also have adequate sanitation facilities whereby for girls, toilet ratio should be 1:25 plus a bathroom and boys 1:30 plus a urinal; and separate staff toilets and at least one for each gender with staff ratio of 1:12.

Further, the school should have cooking space and dining area with food handlers having valid medical certificates, and that the physical facilities should be friendly to persons with disabilities, having either ramps to buildings, clear pavements and pathways, or adapted latrines or toilets.

For boarding primary schools, there should be adequate boarding facilities accommodating one

learner per bed on either single or double-decker beds, with spacing between beds being 1.22 metres.

In addition, the boarding facilities should have 3 double doors opening outwards with one clearly marked ‘Emergency Exit’. It should also have a fire-fighting equipment, non-grilled windows, adequate adjacent toilets and bathrooms and adjacent rooms for house parents in special schools.

Generally, primary schools that will have a ‘good’ score of between 75 to 100 per cent in the above parameters will be recommended for registration to offer the JSE curriculum since they will have met most of the requirements.

Those that will have a ‘fair’ score of between 50 to 74 per cent means that it meets some of the requirements hence will be recommended for a second assessment for registration to offer the JSE curriculum.

Primary schools that will have a ‘poor’ score of below 50 per cent will not be recommended for registration to offer the JSE curriculum.

County directors of education have been instructed to prepare and submit a detailed report to the Director General Education by January 23, 2023, indicating among other things, the readiness of primary schools to admit JSS learners and proposed JSS feeder schools, plus their distance and capacity.

There are 32,594 primary schools in the country, 23,566 of them being public while 9,028 are private.

Steps to be taken to stabilize JSS by 2025

guidelines have given the Heads and deputy Heads of JSS special responsibilities which are: responsible for School Strategic Development Planning and its implementation, ensuring registration of the school, and collaborating with the MoE and other stakeholders to create a safe, protective and conducive learning environment.

plementation of Senior Secondary Schools’ from May to December, 2024.

Further, the government has highlighted what it will execute for effective implementation of Junior Secondary Education (JSE).

In the guidelines, the key roles and responsibilities of TSC shall be recruitment of teachers to handle the new subjects and learning areas, and providing projections and requirements for teachers.

TSC will also be required to deploy adequate number of teachers in all schools, and further deploy head teachers to lead the JSSs.

This year, primary school head teachers are going to be the most powerful administrators in our basic education circles, since apart from manning the public primary schools that currently domicile the JSS, they shall also head the respective JSSs throughout the interim period of the transition starting January 1, 2023

till December 30, 2023.

The head teachers shall perform duties in accordance with Part IV, Section 40 of the Basic Education Act, 2013 (which highlights the duties of a principal or head teacher), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act, 2012 and the Code of Regulations for Teachers, 2015.

In December 2022, TSC maintained that JSS are secondary schools and that the Commission would deploy a total 30,550 teachers from February this year, of whom 9,000 would be on Permanent and Pensionable terms and an additional 21,550 posted in the same schools on a one-year internship programme.

This therefore implies that all the JSS teachers who are secondary school teachers are going to be directly under the supervision and management of the primary school head teachers.

Apart from the above, the

Others are monitoring and enforcing education policies and standards, offering instructional leadership and curriculum supervision to ensure compliance with professional practice at the institutional level, implementation of resolutions (as Secretary), and providing technical advice to the BoM and other school stakeholders.

They are also to ensure proper management and maintenance of the JSS resources and the provision and use of approved instructional materials, as well as advice the MoE and TSC on the optimum Curriculum Based Establishment (CBE) in the institution and implementing learner support programmes.

Others are monitoring education quality, collating, managing and reporting to the MoE, TSC and other stakeholders on institutional performance (as necessary), induction and mentoring of teachers and learners (as appropriate), guiding and modelling values to the teachers and learners, overseeing the implementation of performance management in the school, and appraising teaching and non-teaching staff.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu addressing the press.

All eyes on the prize: JSS is projected to be stable by 2025.

Kitui Teachers Sacco marks 46th AGM with Ksh10 billion asset target

By Lydia Ngoolo and Boniface Mulu

co. It also conducted Board elections that saw new faces take over office.

in their strategic plans.

maintains an upward trajectory

(RTGS)

Kitui Teachers DT Sacco Society Limited, the biggest and fastest growing Sacco in Kitui County, has held its 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) where it set a target of Ksh10 billion asset base by end of 2023.

This comes hot on the heels of an impressive Financial Year (FY), where at the end of 2022 the Sacco had an asset base of Ksh8,817,950,755 having risen from Ksh7,682,329,800 in 2021, as loans and advances granted to members were at Ksh7,777,459,051.

Sacco intends to acquire land to build an ultramodern plaza in town.

At the same time deposits of Ksh4,985,394,664 were mobilized, alongside shares amounting to Ksh500 million. The revenue generated in the year amounted to Ksh1,464,340,912, while Sacco membership grew to 32,024.

Chairman Rev Augustus Munuve said the Sacco is preparing for a new strategic plan to run from 2024 to 2028 that is aimed at further improving on these portfolios.

“We propose to you for consideration and declaration of dividends and interests on deposits at 12 per cent. To ensure equitable distribution of dividends and interest throughout the year, the same will be paid on pro-rata basis starting next year,” the Sacco leader added.

In the year under review, the Sacco held education and training sessions for 5,447 members on enhancing Sacco growth, emerging trends in Sacco sub-sector, benefits of the Sacco and general updates around the performance of the Sac-

“As the Sacco asset base grows to Sh6.5 billion, the growth needs to be supported

by adequate infrastructure. Unfortunately the current office space cannot accommodate all operations,” said the Chairman

He thanked the board of directors, both in supervisory and management, and the staff for their hard work and resilience in delivering their mandate despite the hard economic environment occasioned by the pandemic which rendered some members jobless.

Mr Vincent Marangu, Director, Coperatives Banking Division (Co-op Bank) highly lauded the Kitui Teachers Sacco for “having managed to give out the members a total of 5,565,653,197 shillings loans and advances in 2020 amid the difficulties by the COVID-19 pandemic.” They (the members) helped themselves with that loans and advances, the Cooperative Bank of Kenya official said. “So Madam Florence Mutua and your team I want to tell you that you are doing a very quite commendable job,” Marangu said.

KITUI TEACHERS SACCO

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

He said the elections are guided by the rotational rule and that in the year 2023, members elected to the Board were Pheles Musavu Mathenge, Charles Mutinda Muema and Samson Mavuli Kinyaika.

Mathenge represents the Sacco’s Mutomo and Ikutha electoral zones while Muema represents the Kitui Central and Katulani electoral zones. Kinyaika represents the Mwingi East and Ngomeni Electoral Zones as Judah Mwangangi Mutunga becomes a Supervisory Committee member for the Mutomo, Ikutha, Nzambani, Kisasi and Mutitu Electoral Zones.

Other marked achievements include a system change where features for verification during transactions have been enhanced.

The chairman said as approved by the AGM, Extreme ERP had been replaced by Vanguard Financials as from January 1, 2022.

“The new system is able to support all our operations and has enhanced features which are able to support biometric data of the members to be used for verification purposes during transactions,” the Sacco leader said.

In their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), 11 special schools distributed among the electoral zones were funded. 10 more new needy children were sponsored as well.

Meanwhile, the new Kitui head office plaza is under consideration with a ready title deed, though other documentations and approvals are still being processed.

The Sacco launched Machakos branch in October 2022 and is now fully operational. Nevertheless, there are some

Florence Mutua, CEO

major challenges that need to be addressed if the targets set are to be realized, one of them being the reduction of the rates of loan defaulting. The harsh economic times remain a setback as it has affected savings, loans and deposits as contemplated

The chairman noted that cyber threats were getting more sophisticated and intense.

"We appreciate the Board for the continuous training of staff and Board on cybercrime, but advise for more awareness on the part of general membership for better safety," he said.

Rev Munuve noted that in 2022, there were 28,099 active members, a number which rose to 32,024 in 2023.

Cooperative Bank of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Vincent Marangu, who was the chief guest, thanked Rev Munuve for his excellent leadership.

“The sacco has increased its assets because of the chairman’s good leadership,” Marangu said.

Kitui branch’s Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary Simon Nding'o praised the Sacco for having helped teachers to grow economically, being one of the best in the region.

The Sacco is preparing for a new strategic plan to run from 2024 to 2028 that is aimed at further improving on these portfolios. Rev Augustus Munuve, Chairman

‘I highly lauded the Kitui Teachers Sacco for having managed to give out the members a total of 5,565,653,197 shillings loans and advances in 2020 amid the difficulties by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

-Marangu

Members follow the proceedings at Ithookwe Primary School Photo /Lydia Ngoolo

Parents rubbish 2022 KCSE cheating claims

By Roy Hezron

The National Parents’ Association (NPA) has come out strongly to defend the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results released recently by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu, rubbishing widespread claims that the examinations were marred by irregularities.

The Association’s National Chairman David Silas Obuhatsa told Education News that the strict management of the examination could not allow any cheating.

“As an association of parents we believe in what the government released through the Ministry of Education (MoE) as the correct and official KCSE results. We have not received any official complaint from our officers on the ground that there was examination cheating,” said Obuhatsa.

“We all witnessed the strictness of the examination administering that could not have opened any cheating loopholes. These are mere media propaganda which Kenyans are used to,” he added.

The same was echoed by the Association’s Secretary General Eskimos Kobia, who stated that as parents they are satisfied with the outcome and that it is only the MoE and Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) that can tell whether there was cheating or not.

“Only social media said the exams had irregularities. Parents are only to celebrate the results. The CS said there was no cheating. Being Secretary General, I agree with him,” Kobia told Education News

Speaking during the release of 2022 KCSE at the KNEC’s Mitihani House in Nairobi on January 20, 2023, Machogu said that there were no irregularities during the 2022 KCSE examinations, and that the administration of the examination was clean.

The CS said the MoE devised various mechanisms to curb the vice.

"We did come up with a mechanism that accountability was transferred to personal levels. We said the Centre Manager will be personally accountable for any irregularities. We designed a form for security personnel to confirm how things went,” Machogu said.

A total of 881,416 candidates sat the 2022 KCSE examination compared to 826,807 in 2021, an increase of 54,609 (6.60 per cent).

There were 1,146 (0.13 per cent) candidates who obtained an overall Grade A compared to 1,138 (0.14 per cent) in 2021; while the number of candidates with the minimum university entry qualification of Grade C+ rose to 173,345 (19.03 per cent) in 2022 compared to 145,776 (17.55 per cent) in 2021.

Public varsities self-reliance

In relation to the increasing number of students who scored direct university entry grades, Obuhatsa said that despite public universities facing a number of challenges at the moment, they are confident they will admit all the qualified students.

He, however, challenged public universities to device mechanisms of self-reliance instead of waiting for government support.

“Prof. Olive Mugenda is an example of someone who should be fully involved in university boards of management, seeing what she did at Kenyatta University. Such universities like Egerton and Nairobi with all that expansive land need to plan well to exploit their available resources to reduce some of their crises,” said Obuhatsa.

Kobia on his part stated that if the government raised the cut off points from the minimum grade C+, many who worked hard to attain it will miss out on university education.

“We as parents recommend open learning so that more students can be accommodated in our universities,” said Kobia.

The Association, however, decried the delays in releasing funds by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to deserving students, urging the government to urgently think of a solution to the problem and find a quick alternative.

Obuhatsa stated that in future, NPA will work with the government to set up a National Parents’ Association Public Education Foundation (NPAPEF) through which all poor students will be supported.

He observed that if such a foundation was established and managed by parents themselves, some of the financial crises students face will be a thing of the past.

“If the country had such a foundation, funds like those given by HELB, NG-CDF, Wings to Fly and what well-wishers may bring on board would go through the foundation to benefit thousands of students. We have suggested this to the taskforce and we hope it will be considered.” Obuhatsa said.

David Obuhatsa, chairman Kenya National Parents Association.

We have not received any official complaint from our officers on the ground that there was examination cheating.

By Peter Otuoro

Majority of Kenyan youth graduating from TVET institutions around the country have no skills to do work related to their areas of expertise, Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) Principal Secretary (PS) Esther Muoria has said.

The alarming remarks were made at Nyandarua National Polytechnic during the closing ceremony of an inaugural three-day International Research Conference held at the institution.

The PS said the country should be worried about the kind of graduates the TVET institutions are producing.

“We are worried as a state department of TVET about the kind of TVET graduates we are producing because the majority of them cannot showcase their skills in the practical field," said Muoria.

The revelations come at a time the government is directing huge amounts of resources to expanding and consolidating TVETS in the country. Recently, it announced its intention to establish more of these institutions in constituencies that have none.

Muoria vowed to revolutionize the TVET curriculum to ensure only qualified and skilled trainees receive their academic certificates, meaning only those who make the cut will be allowed to graduate.

By Martin Ruto

Since its inception by missionaries in 1929, Kitale Primary School has established itself as centre of excellence in academics and cocurricular activities.

The ACK-sponsored school under Kitale Diocese has over the years produced the top candidates in national exams in the region.

In 2022 KCPE, the school registered 283 candidates who posted an impressive mean of 355.7.

TVETs producing incompetent graduates, says PS

syllabus by ensuring that only skilled and qualified trainees are allowed to graduate while unskilled trainees are re-tooled. This will ensure they only graduate when they are well equipped and are ready for the competitive job market,” said Muoria.

She said the State department will align its academic syllabus to its curriculum and ensure that all TVET trainees receive practical skills.

“Our TVET academic policy will require trainees to take most of the time in industry, which will consist of 70 per cent of their total period of study, while only 30 per cent will be spent in class,” she said.

Muoria said she had identified hundreds of job opportunities both locally and abroad in the short period she has been at the helm of TVET, yet our sector graduates cannot fit in as they cannot do a good job.

The PS said she will establish an industrial liaison office in the department’s headquarters whose main role will be to connect all TVET institutions with industry in the 47 counties, in addition to the major cities that are home to many industries.

“We will have a serious meeting with the KATTI principals in all TVET

institutions to see how we can rescue and restore the lost glory of TVET

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She, nevertheless, praised the many inventions that have come up within these vocational colleges, challenging KATTI principals to legally protect the ownership of these products to make them profitable ventures.

Muoria also urged the KATTI principals to liaise with industries for mass production of invented products, which will generate billions of shillings as a way of creating employment for millions of youth.

“We can take the electric motorbike that was done by trainees at Nyandarua National Polytechnic as a prototype and produce it in large numbers. The country will generate millions in revenue and create jobs for millions of people,” said the PS.

She congratulated Nyandarua and Kabete national polytechnics, among other TVET Institutions, for being ahead in innovation and invention, further encouraging the KATTI principals to create a friendly environment where creativity can thrive.

She, in the same vein, challenged them to be more creative in initiating income generating activities by using the available resources like land to produce food both for consumption and sale.

“In the modern world, the KATTI principal should be innovative and generate their own income to run the TVET Institutions because the government does not have adequate funds to cover every need in TVETs. The little that we can offer should be supported by the funds from institutions’ income generating activities.” Muoria said.

Kitale Primary produces top candidates in the county yet again

The top girl and boy in Trans Nzoia County were from the school. Samson Isaboke scored 422 marks while Dorka Madaraka scored 421 marks.

Speaking exclusively to Education News, the principal David Luganda thanked the 38 teachers and the candidates for working tirelessly hard to improve and produce good results.

He also thanked the 9 BoM

teachers and non-teaching staff for working hard to ensure the school programmes run smoothly.

He revealed that 38 candidates scored above 400 marks.

The school boasts of a population of 2000 pupils. 450 are in ECDE while 30 are in the special unit.

The principal noted with pride that one of the candidates from the special unit, Kotut Sammy Kwemoi, was integrated with other normal learners and scored 283 marks in the exam.

“I would also like to thank Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich for fully supporting the school. The BoM through their Chair Ven Ben Barasa has also been instrumental in the growth of the school,” the principal said.

The school also does well in co-curricular activities including sports, Athletics, Drama, Music and Chess and has bagged several trophies for their good performance.

The Chess team participated in Eldoret and Mombasa tournaments. Their best Chess players Elizabeth Kasil and Prince Munywa are set to represent Kenya during the February competitions.

Purity Kandie, a pupil from the school, will represent Kenya during the Special Olympics competitions to be held in 2023 in Berlin, Germany.

Kitale Primary School is

situated along Kitale – Eldoret road, 2 kilometres from Kitale town. The school has two deputy head teachers: Paul Eseme (Administration) and Grace Maina (Academics). The senior teachers are Teresia Wairimu and Mwanaisha Rashid while the Director of Studies is Ruth Mukiite.

David Luganda, Principal

Paul Eseme, Deputy Head teacher Administration

Samson Isaboke, best candidate in Trans Nzoia County in KCPE 2022. He scored 422 marks

Ruth Mukiite, Director of Studies

Administration Block Girls

ground

Grace Maina, Deputy Head teacher Academics

TVET PS Esther Muoria (Centre) cuts the cake to mark the end of the recent International Research Conference at the institution. She is helped by Nyandarua National Polytechnic Principal Felix Mung’atu and other guests.

By Roy Hezron

The 2022 Kenya Innovation Outlook (KIO) Report by Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) has revealed that over the last six years, there has been a low number of graduates (16 per cent) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, yet Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions recorded an increase in enrolment.

The report was launched by President Dr. William Ruto during the 2022 Kenya Innovation Week (KIW), which was held between December 6- 8, 2022 at the Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi.

The report indicated that there is need to support more enrolment of both males and females in STEM courses.

It further noted that the issue of gender imbalance needs to be addressed since only 30 per cent out of the total number of graduates were female.

Speaking during the launch of the report and official opening of 2022 KIW, President Ruto noted that the government will transform the annual KIW into an international innovation festival so as to attract global participants to facilitate exponential enhancement of Kenya's capacity for transformative innovations.

He added that innovation brings us closer to sustainable goals in line with Vision 2030.

"Through innovations we can re-

By Leonard Angatia

Friends Samitsi Girls High School has steadily risen through the academic ranks over the past few years to become one of the best performing schools in Kakamega North Sub-county.

The school has recorded improved performance over the years as follows:

KCSE 2020 (5.24), 2021 (5.54) and 2022 (7.301).

The school was ranked first in the sub-county. It also prides itself in having produced the highest number of quality grades in the sub-county.

Principal Gladys M Kavere, who joined the school in 2020, has seen the school turn around in infrastructure, population and performance.

In last year’s exams, 177 candidates qualified for direct university admission.

“Most of our teachers are national examiners hence they are always present to help the students answer questions as per KNEC standards. We also have families which give an opportunity to students to freely see their teacher parents and get help,” she explained.

She added that the families have also strengthened the bond between teachers and students and indirectly led to good performance.

She revealed that the school does

Fewer TVET students take STEM courses, says KeNIA report

actors to support innovations in the country.

KeNIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Tonny Omwansa explained that the rationale of the KIO 2022 report was to measure the National Innovation System.

“You cannot measure what you don’t know,” said Dr. Omwansa, adding that for KeNIA to accomplish its mandate of managing the innovation system, the Agency had to find a way to define success and measure progress.

The report revealed that despite the government making deliberate investments in the establishment of TVET institutions to recognize their role in driving practical innovations for economic growth and employment for the increasing number of youth, the institutions face some challenges, especially inadequate funding.

imagine and overhaul our economy into a modern high-tech one serviced by highly skilled citizens who enjoy high quality life," he said.

He challenged KeNIA to develop policies that will help mobilise resources from various organisations and

According to the report, investments in TVETs are more focused on their establishment but less on their operations, thus challenging the overall objective around practical skill development and job creation.

The report further shows that the

expansion of TVETs and universities has resulted in a significant increase in student enrolments since between 2015 and 2021. The TVET sub-sector recorded a significant increase in enrolment of approximately 70 per cent from a total of 142,410 in 2015 to 430,598 students in 2021.

On the contrary, within the same period, enrolment in universities recorded a slight 7 per cent increase which was attributed to decrease in self-sponsored student numbers, the availability of alternatives such as TVETs, the Covid 19 pandemic, and the ongoing reforms in the education sector.

“The country’s enrolment in tertiary institutions is relatively lower compared to the regional and global giants and thus needs improvements. The human capital is also low thus corresponding to the lower enrolment rates and the poor university-industry linkages,” the report added.

High number of researchers in East Africa

In terms of research, the report

shows that Kenya has 225 full-time researchers per million inhabitants, the highest within the East African Community (EAC).

However, the number is reported to be still dismal by global standards in innovation related to research and development, with the report stating that there is need for more researchers to dedicate their time and expertise in strengthening the governance structure in the innovation sector.

The report also showed that there has been a modest increase in research activities and associated outputs since, according to the economic survey of 2021, 781 doctoral and post-doctoral researchers were granted license in the 2016/2017 academic year.

The number rose to 1,129 in the 2018/2019 and 1,046 in 2019/2020 academic years.

According to the report, the number of research licence applications to National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) declined by 1.5 per cent from 6,077 in 2019/20 to 5,985 in 2020/21, while the total number of licences granted decreased from 6,112 in 2019/20 to 5,153 in 2020/21.

The decline is attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic that affected businesses and academic and research institutions.

As at 2021, there were a total of 21 research institutions in the country - 11 public and 10 private.

Friends Samitsi Girls ranked best in Sub-County

The school also does joint exams with best performing schools across the region.

The principal revealed that they are aiming for a mean of 7.5 in this year’s national exams and have started preparing the 240 candidates in readiness for the same.

“The school has 17 TSC and 15 BoM teachers who are committed to ensuring students perform well and achieve their academic dreams. I motivate teachers in many ways but the notable one is slaughtering a cow every end term to celebrate our hard work. We also invite the subordinate staff to

continuous assessments and random tests weekly, and that teachers stay late to help students with revision.

“We have ability group discussions. We have Maths hour every afternoon to improve performance in the subject,” she added.

Joy Arunga, Deputy Principal

encourage them that they are part and parcel of Samitsi community," shared Kavere.

She added that she relates well with everybody and that students, parents and the community all feel loved.

She thanked area MP Hon Malulu Injendi for sponsoring many needy students at the institution.

Deputy Principal Joy Arunga said she ensures the students are disciplined for good results.

Friends Samitsi Girls High School is a county school found in Kakamega North Sub-county.

It has a student population of 830.

Gladys M. Kavere, Principal

A section of teachers led by principal Gladys Kavere (right). Next to her is her deputy Joy Arunga

One of the biggest and

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KeNIA CEO Dr. Tonny Omwansa.

By Fredrick Odiero

Magunga Mixed Secondary School ended the academic year on a high note after posting impressive results in the 2022 KCSE exam results.

The school registered 247 candidates who posted a mean of 6.753.

The school’s principal Dr Patrick Odhier said the good results saw 143 candidates secure direct university admission.

The upbeat principal said the good performance was due to hard work and dedication among teachers, students and board members.

“Immediately after joining the school, I got down to the business of ensuring the school performs well in internal, regional and national exams. I encouraged the students that they could still perform well despite the low performance in the previous years,” he said.

He added that he prepared both teachers and students psychologically ahead of the examinations.

“I encouraged them that nothing is impossible,” he said, adding that they finished the syllabus early and started revision to ensure students understand

FOCUS ON TOP SCHOOLS

Magunga Mixed records exemplary results in 2022 KCSE

well all they were being taught.

The principal noted that the school has floodlights which students use for group discussions and reading.

He added that they have been inviting external examiners to help the candidates tackle tough exam questions and to encourage the students to have confidence in themselves.

He revealed that the candidates had inter class competitions to build the spirit of competition and ensure all students are well-prepared.

“We also ensured that all candidates had to enroll for boarding to enable the teachers supervise them and help them in their studies,” he noted.

Dr Odhier said many schools visit the school for benchmarking

purposes and the candidates are prepped for national exams using tests done in national schools.

“The current candidate class has a motto of Vuka Saba. We’re aiming to get a mean of 7.0 in this year’s

exams,” he said confidently, adding that the candidates, teachers and other stakeholders have vowed to join hands and work as a team in order to realize the good results.

Dr Odhier noted that to post stellar results in this year’s national exams,

they aim to test the candidates with more than 30 internal and external exams to better their grasp of content.

He thanked his two deputies: Julius Ayoo and Otirah W. and the Director of Studies David Omondi for the support they have given him.

The principal also has high regard for the Board of Management Chair George Omondo and his PA counterpart John Alolo for supporting the school to run its programmes.

He said the school with a student population of 1200 has a good relationship with the community.

He said they are working on improving and increasing the school’s infrastructure.

“The school has few laboratories and doesn’t have a proper library. We use a book store as a library and had to improvise some classrooms so that the candidates can do their practicals,” he

said.

Deputy Principal Otirah urged parents to keep track of their children’s academic performance.

Magunga Secondary School is a county public mixed day secondary school located in North East Nyakach within Kisumu County.

Immediately after joining the school, I got down to and encouraged the students that they could still perform well despite the low performance in the previous years.

Dr

Patrick Odhier, Principal

Daniel Omondi, Director of Studies

Otirah W, Deputy Princpal Academics

Millicent Omondi, Senior Master

Julius Ayoo, Deputy Principal Administration

Adult opinions on JSS are slowly killing our children

The Junior Secondary School, popular by its acronym JSS, has finally kicked off amid confusion, uncertainty, anger, blame-game, mudslinging, and every aspersion that can be thrown in that direction. A kind word is yet to be uttered as a gentle breeze across the scalds the infant has suffered for as long as it has been in existence.

Perhaps JSS in private schools is an exception, though it is not wholly safe from this denigration. The two schools are painted, especially by the media, as two worlds apart. One is ready, the other waiting. One is equipped, the other desolate. One is vain, the other with purpose.

This brings us to why these two schools have been contrasted. One gets the impression that the two are not in the same country. Social media is awash with the negativity at the very least, invectives being the vehicle to carry the mediocrity.

Yet we all are guilty of creating the dichotomy, whether by design or inadvertently, and it has permeated our spirit to the very core. Our penchant for the petty has perpetually created controversies around serious national conversations, diluting arguments that could build to a crescendo that even policy change can be considered.

What we forget is that we live in a digital world and the children whose education system we are attacking are aware of our banal opinions. We also forget that these children did not design their own curriculum, hence they do not know if it is bad or good.

They listen helplessly to the negativity we are spewing nonetheless, not knowing exactly how to behave as victims of both their own curriculum and insensitive adults who ought to guide them in their life’s journey. They are not trapped between a rock and a hard placethey simply do not have a choice but the rock and the hard place.

Soon we shall be competing for space and attention as we put down Senior Secondary School (SSS), which will surely come in three years’ time.

The same pioneer JSS will be waiting at the other end.

Rather than throw mud and stones, it is time our Kenyan society considered how best the CBC, and particularly JSS, can be supported as it is here to stay.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARIES

for

four leavers after KCSE

The 2022 KCSE examination results were met with mixed reactions from all and sundry.

I do not want to belabour you with stories about ranking that several citizens have erroneously tried to do yet the government abolished it in the recent past. I also do not want to write about schools that got genuine results or the ones that cheated their way to peak performance.

What is important is to give an objective view to those who got results, good or bad. Without good guidance, many form four leavers succumb to jaws of defeat and despair.

I am concerned about most Form Four leavers because as a peripatetic teacher, I visited several secondary schools in 2022 to roll out talks and training services.

Victor

kaleidoscope of possibilities and infinite spectra of opportunities. Due to stellar performance, they have chances of joining prestigious universities to pursue coveted courses.

I pensively remember the sob story of one of my lecturers who told us how she started with a certificate course, then proceeded to do a diploma, degree, masters then PhD. She became a success story because, on her way to the top, she never lost hope.

I would like to encourage form four leavers to read Why ‘A’ Students Work for ‘C’ Students and ‘B’ Students Work for the Government by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

The putative author starts that heroic book with the wise words of Albert Einstein: “Everybody is born a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, then it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In conclusion, all form four leavers should know that KCSE exams enhance transition from secondary to tertiary level of education. The grade garnered is not the final say.

Isaiah 43:18-19 admonishes us to forget about past things for God does new things. He makes a way in the wilderness and provides water in the desert.

Chief Executive Officer: Peter Silsil

Managing Editor: Rosemil Oduor

Revise Editor: Kipkemboi Toroitich

Senior Reporter: Hezron Roy

Head of Marketing: Peris Cherono

Layout & Design: Gabriel Sankale & Sydney Kimiywi

Every candidate desires to rise to the top. Think of a building with several floors. When you want to go up, you have three options: use the lift, escalator or staircase. Students who scored grade A and B in KCSE automatically use lifts.

They become veritable academic giants who have

Conversely, students who get Cs climb to the top of the skyscrapers using escalators. They may not be lucky like those who scoop As and Bs, but with the right mindset, they can seize success.

Academically speaking, the journey to the top is sometimes tedious and tiresome for those who score Ds and Es. It is not easy to ascend to the thirtieth floor of a big building using the spiraling staircase.

This implies that children are not the same per se. ‘A’ students are academics. ‘B’ students become bureaucrats while ‘C’ students are entrepreneurs who carry the torch of capitalism and create jobs. Interestingly, some of them end up employing ‘A’ and ‘B’ students.

We should not writeoff form four leavers who score mediocre grades in KCSE for God has a plausible plan for every person.

Jeremiah 29:11 states:

Form Four leavers should let bygones to be bygones. KCSE is not the end of life. Form Four leavers should come to consciousness and ask themselves the quality question: What next after KCSE?

For those who scored grades As and Bs, they have an open door to pursue glamour-tinged careers in universities. On the other hand, those who scored Cs, Ds and Es have chances to pursue diploma, craft and artisan courses in Technical Vocational Colleges (TVCs).

Life is a journey not a destination. Talents, gifts, skills and character also contribute to success.

There is a lot holding out

form

Highfuelcosts Increasedgas pricesetc

Identifying potential under CBC must be Scientific

CBC not the antidote to our modern problems

Contrary to popular opinion, CBC will not address the high unemployment rates in Kenya. However, we shall have graduates with skills and talents which can’t be converted into income.

Before introducing a new curriculum, we should have asked ourselves what we’re lacking and how education will fill that gap. There should have been a thorough research on where Kenya will be in the next 5-30 years.

What skills will we need? If we’re addressing climate change and agriculture, children should be taught about the same using recent innovations and solutions. We are facing food shortage because of using the same old methodologies we learnt in the 90s and here we are teaching our children the same old methodologies.

CBC should address the modern problem and not solutions that were automated years ago. It should invoke the kids into thinking on a broader perspective on how to make things work and how to solve problems.

Muthoni Muriithi sofiemuthoni@gmail.com

By Kevin Ogutu

In December 2017, the Ministry of Education (MoE) rolled out a new education system; the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to replace the old 8-4-4. The biggest selling point of CBC was that it would emphasize excellence and competitiveness as opposed to competition for examination grades that the 8-4-4 “emphasized”.

CBC has also been lauded for being more of knowledge and skills application model through creativity, innovation and problem-solving, while the 8-4-4 is more of content memorization and reproduction during examinations.

Moreover, a CBC teacher facilitates learners to construct their own knowledge and skills through exposure to challenging situations and experiences, contrary to 8-4-4 where the teacher is the main source of knowledge with learners being more of passive participants.

By August 2022, however, some experts had warned that CBC would collapse on 23rd January 2023, if everything went according to script, there being no specific direction the system was taking.

The fears were alleviated on December 1, 2022 when President William Ruto directed that the Junior Secondary School (JSS) be domiciled in the existing primary schools.

This served to save the face of government which, unlike the private sector, had not put in place the infrastructure for the Grades 7, 8 and 9.

The missing ‘Science’ in CBC

One of the ignored pioneer brains in learning revolution in Kenya, and probably one of the origins of the CBC, is Prof Humphrey Oborah, the Secretary General of the World Talent Federation (WTF).

He is a proponent of Talent-

Based Learning, which is pegged on the innate natural talents of individual pupils or learners.

According to him, the CBC substratum is not different from 8-4-4 because beyond ‘symptoms’ of talent like competence and passion, teachers and parents have no scientific way of extracting metric values of the pupils, which can be used for career prediction.

Prof Oborah uses modern Anthropo-Biometric Kits (3-D optical sensing equipment) that are able to extract human metric values which he analyses and is able to predict careers some 2030 years in advance.

This provides a lot of value since parents and teachers will know where to put money, time and effort in advance; unlike the current situation that uses mere guesswork.

The international talent expert has managed to get 29 donated Anthropo-Biometric Talent Clinic kits (each worth USD 170,500) for Africa and set up seven such deliberately in talent clinics in Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Mombasa, Meru and Trans-Nzoia.

Through the machine and the large online database from the World Talent Federation, he can accurately predict the future career of a 4 or 5-year old kid 20 to 30 years in advance.

No one knows why the drafters of CBC did not find the need to incorporate this into the new curriculum so that the future careers of the kids can be identified at a young age, with the advantage of saving parents from paying fees for the ‘wrong’ courses.

Learning and product styles

An Anthropo-Biometric machine brings out a child’s learning and product style. Learners will always have preferred learning and product styles, which you will never hear in our education systems yet it should even be obvious and

logical to many.

Knowing a child’s learning style will not only help the parents and the learner in question, but the teachers as well.

With the employment of the machine, teachers will understand and appreciate the diversity in learning styles which are unique to individuals.

There are those who will comfortably learn in ‘noisy’ backgrounds, (for instance while listening to music), while there are those who will want dead silence. You cannot establish this using your naked eye as a teacher or parent.

Talent domains and potential giftedness

A glimpse at the confidential reports produced for this writer’s child reveals an in-depth analysis of the child’s metric values that finally unearths talent domains and potential giftedness.

By reading the report as a parent, you will feel the full knowledge of who your child is ahead of any investment. Teachers will also know the child better and will be able to craft out a better development plan of the identified career.

Particularly, the report will also help teachers develop personal files for each pupil, given the uniqueness among humans that is seen even among twins.

While CBC has all the good intentions that have come with it, infusing it with science will go a long way in helping parents understand them better.

As it is today, CBC seems to have hit a dead end as the original objectives are not what are being discussed. The reasons for changing the curriculum have been thrown out and people are now discussing the problems around it.

Kevin Ogutu is a multimedia journalist. ogasicom@gmail.com

TSC warns field officers against postponing Principal transfers

Why was it easy for TSC to transfer principals from their homes yet it’s now difficult to take them back? Why can’t they use the same method they used before? TSC should take care of the most urgent and sincere cases.

Mercy Kimeto

Massive transfer of principals unnecessary

These transfers are unnecessary. Some teachers have hardly settled in their current stations yet they are being transferred. There should be a clear cut policy on transfers. Let teachers serve for even five years before they get transferred.

Richard Ombwori

Dear readers: Kindly send your observations or views on topical education matters to editor@educationnews.co.ke. Note that the Editor reserves right to edit your articles for purposes of clarity and precision.

Pupils in a Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) lesson at Eshitare Primary School in Butere Sub-county of Kakamega County. File Photo

By Roy Hezron

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has now challenged Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to consider the current qualifications a teacher has obtained instead of the grades they scored in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) while re-deploying primary school teachers to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).

Speaking to Education News, the Union’s Secretary General (SG) Collins Oyuu said they are not going to rest until the primary school teachers who are graduates are elevated to JSS, revealing that those with Diploma qualifications are being blocked because they scored grade C (plain) in KCSE.

Oyuu observed that some teachers scored that grade 20 years ago and they qualified for the teaching course based on the expediencies of that time.

“We are fighting to have those with grade C (plain) and those who have qualified for Diploma and degrees to be considered based on the final grade because C (plain) was the basic entry grade into college,” said Oyuu.

According to Oyuu, there are about 30,000 teachers who are qualified with degrees but had not been promoted by February 2014, though quite a number have actually been deployed in the annual 1,000 deployment to secondary schools by TSC.

The number might have escalated though, considering the period from 2014 to date, and also considering those who might have exited the service through retirement or natural attrition.

In 2017, TSC made a policy decision to annually deploy 1,000 primary school

KNUT fights for qualified members to teach in JSS

who acquired higher qualifications in form of either Diploma in Education or Bachelors’ Degree from a recognized institution were automatically promoted to Job Group J and K respectively.

According to TSC data, there were about 218,077 teachers in public primary schools as at 2020, whereby 21,632 teachers (who include 9,821 male and 11,811 female) had Diploma qualifications, while 17,930 teachers (8,627 male and 9,303 female) had Bachelor Degrees. About 491 teachers had Masters and Doctoral degrees (197 male and 294 female).

TSC chairman Dr. Jamleck Muturi, appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee in December 2022, told the legislators that the commission will retool primary school teachers to handle JSS to ensure all schools have sufficient teachers.

teachers who had acquired higher qualifications and also met the basic minimums to secondary schools.

Nevertheless, Oyuu welcomed the TSC move, but said they are putting pressure on the employer to deploy the remaining teachers who were set to be posted to secondary schools so that more opportunities are created.

Public primary school teachers who are currently serving under permanent and pensionable terms in various schools in the country and who meet the requisite qualifications were given

up to February 6, 2023 to apply to teach in JSS.

This was after the Commission officially opened the deployment portal on January 28, 2023 and placed the advert on its official social media sites. According to the advert, to teach in JSS, a teacher must have at least attained a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. Further, they should have at least grade C+ in two teaching subjects at KCSE or its equivalent, and at least 8 units in each of the two teaching subjects.

KUCCPS guarantees varsity slots to all C+ qualifiers

By Brian Kaleti

The government has assured all the 173,345 candidates who scored grade C+ and above that they will be admitted to public universities.

Dr. Agnes Wahome, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) said no candidate will be left out and that they will all secure places in institutions of higher learning.

Speaking at Kangaru Boys High School in Embu County during a guidance and mentorship conference for youth from the area, she urged those who scored C+ and above to apply for courses without fear or hesitation.

"I want to assure all those who have qualified to apply for vacancies in institutions of higher learning without fear because there are enough slots," Dr Wahome assured. Further, she advised

candidates who do not wish to join universities to register with technical colleges for

diploma courses.

“We have so many colleges which can help them achieve their academic dreams," she said.

Dr Wahome warned parents against forcing their children to take up courses that they have no interest in.

“Please let your children be at liberty to choose what they feel they can do well,” she said.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said that her office was in the process of starting a bursary scheme for students joining university.

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji called on the government to look into ways of increasing funding to public universities so that they can run their programmes smoothly.

He said majority of universities were struggling financially and in debts, which could erode the quality of education being offered.

There were concerns that the over 30,000 teachers who were recently recruited to JSS, which was equated to one teacher per school, may be insufficient, given that some schools have more than two streams.

In February last year, TSC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Nancy Macharia admitted that the increasing number of teachers attaining higher qualifications was the major reason for stopping automatic promotion of teachers.

Historically, primary school teachers

Grade 7 teachers will teach Mathematics, languages, Pure Sciences (Integrated Science - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Health Education), Applied Sciences (Agriculture, Home Science, and Computer Studies), Humanities (Social Studies, Religious Studies, and Life kills), Technical and Creative Arts, that is pre-vocational and precareer Business Studies, Music, Sports, Physical Education, and Home Science.

Accordingly, there shall be nine lessons per day for five days, totaling to 45 per week, with time allocation for each lesson being 40 minutes. English will be the medium of instruction for all learning areas except Kiswahili, Kenya Sign Language (KSL), and Foreign and Indigenous Languages.

Locals asked to invest in education, stop over-reliance on farming

By Musyoka Kaleti

Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku has assured locals of his plans to better the education sector in the area as a move to stop residents’ reliance on crop farming, which is not profitable due to harsh climatic conditions.

Speaking in Siakago town during a meeting with his constituents, the MP noted that the area has had persistent crop failure and that education is the

By Erick Nyayiera

Siaya County Government has been petitioned to significantly improve the terms of engagement for its Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers.

National Chairman of the Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET) Lawrence Otunga said that Siaya is the only county in Nyanza with the poorest terms of service for the ECDE teachers. He stated that most of those teachers live in pathetic conditions due to the poor working terms and therefore appealed to the county government to look into their welfare by providing proper remuneration.

only remedy to address the challenges in the community.

He urged locals to invest in education, which has predictable results unlike farming.

"Most often we don’t get anything from our farms because there are no rains. However, through education, we can better our lives and be well positioned to tackle economic challenges,” he said.

He assured his constituents of fair bursary allocation for all students in the area so that the needy can have an opportunity

to study.

He urged parents to fully support their children’s education since education is an equalizer between the rich and the poor.

He expressed his desire to increase the bursary allocation to Ksh50 million from Ksh45 million to benefit the needy.

Deputy County Commissioner Ann Mitema urged the NG-CDF committee to always exercise transparency while issuing bursaries.

Improve terms of engagement for ECDE teachers, county urged

paid a flat rate salary irrespective of their academic qualifications.

Otunga pleaded with Governor James Orengo to consider improving the salaries, advising that with the intended recruitment exercise of more ECDE teachers, they should also review the terms for the ones who had been employed during the past regimes.

The chairman lamented that whereas other counties are engaging their ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, Siaya had never had such plans and all their teachers were

He said the teachers have been suffering to an extent that they could not even afford to feed, clothe or educate their own children.

Interfaith leaders from Siaya advocating for an ECDE policy.

Dr Agnes Wahome, KUCCPS CEO, at Kangaru School.

Photo/Brian Kaleti

KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu with top national officials during their ADC in Kisumu last December. Photo/Fredrick Odiero

By Roy Hezron

The recent move by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to give intern teachers an upper hand during mass teacher recruitment has raised concern as to whether the Commission is silently shifting its employment policy to directly absorb intern teachers into permanent and pensionable (P&P) terms.

When the Commission advertised 35,550 vacancies in December last year, vacancies on P&P terms were 9,000, most of which were awarded to intern teachers.

The Commission, in its internal memo seen by Education News dated January 11, 2023, wanted its Director of Human Resource Management and Development Dr. Julius Olayo not to delete from payroll all the 2022 serving interns.

“The Board has resolved that all teachers who were serving on internship programme in 2022 be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms of service in the ongoing teacher recruitment process,” read the memo.

During the recruitment, documents were scheduled for submission from January 6, 2023 and interviews were conducted from January 13, 2023.

In the recent past, TSC has been giving preference to teachers employed on contracts when filling P&P vacancies. It is expected that the recruited interns will be employed on a permanent basis when vacancies are advertised.

While appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee in December 2022 before TSC advertised the 35,550 vacancies, the Commission’s Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Macharia said the Commission will give priority to 5,000 intern teachers on permanent terms in the current recruitment.

signals shift in policy as intern teachers are employed permanently

In the recent past, TSC has been giving preference to teachers employed on contracts when filling permanent and pensionable vacancies. It is expected that the recruited interns will be employed on a permanent basis when vacancies are advertised.

Her response came after the committee chairperson Julius Melly, who is also Tinderet MP, asked her to explain why the commission had failed to employ 5,000 intern teachers on permanent terms yet there were funds set aside for that purpose.

During the recruitment of 8,000 teachers in the 2021 July/August mass recruitment, intern teachers were given an upper hand by being awarded up to 30 marks over their competitors.

Before that mass recruitment, the commission had in January of the same year hired a total of 6,000 intern teachers in a bid to address staffing challenges worsened by the 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school.

In January 2022, the commission renewed the contracts of intern teachers who were not absorbed in the 2021 mass recruitment for one year ending December 2022.

In a communiqué to regional directors dated December 9, 2021, TSC directed that the renewed internship

period should commence from January 3, 2022 and that the intern teachers should be retained in their current work stations for the one year period.

The commission’s field officers were directed that interns whose contracts will not be renewed for whatever reason should not be replaced but that their list should be submitted to the commission.

Teacher Unions lauded TSC’s move, arguing that it will reduce the backlog of early graduates in education who are registered but have not secured teaching jobs.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Narok branch Executive Secretary Charles Ng’eno told Education News that they are happy over the recent recruitment of over 30,000 teachers.

He added that the government will absorb the current intern teachers in the next recruitment.

“Those who were serving here in Narok did not even apply for Junior Secondary School (JSS) positions because we were assured by TSC County Director that they will be taken for permanent and pensionable terms,” said Ng’eno, further asking the commission

to do this annualyy.

His sentiments were echoed by Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno who reiterated that the commission should come up with a mechanism that will ensure that after a teacher has served for one year as an intern, they are automatically absorbed on permanent terms.

“They need also not be subjected to any interviews or vetting because it had already been done,” added Otieno.

The recruitment of the 35,550 teachers this year is the first phase of absorbing a planned 116,000 teachers after Dr. Macharia revealed that the commission was short of 114,581 teachers.

Last month, TSC said 10,000 teachers (9,000 for secondary and 1,000 for primary schools) will be employed on permanently while the other 25,550 will be on internship.

As for the interns, 21,550 slots are reserved for JSS while the remaining 4,000 will be dispatched to primary schools; each county being allocated a total of 85 interns, except Bungoma, Homa-Bay, Kakamega, Nakuru and Turkana, which will be allocated 86 in primary schools.

The intern teachers used to earn a monthly stipend of Ksh10, 000 and Ksh15, 000 in primary and secondary schools respectively in 2019, which did not attract many applicants.

But later when it was increased to Ksh15,000 and Ksh 20,000, there was an increase in the number of applicants whenever the positions were advertised.

It’s estimated that the total number of registered but unemployed teachers in the country is over 300,000. A total of 54,377 were registered last year.

ECDE teachers protest SRC plan to chop their salaries

By Education News reporter

The government is planning to downscale salaries of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers in a proposed policy change by Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) that will have far-reaching implications on the future of government salary arrangements.

If implemented, it will be a precursor and a reference point of salary reviews, meaning the government can review salaries downwards for every cadre of employees, a strange turn that has never been seen before.

Effectively, the ECDE teacher is bound to lose income after the controversial proposal that expects governors to pay the teachers extremely low salaries.

According to SRC, the lowest ECDE teacher who is a certificate holder (entry level), that is Assistant ECDE Teacher III, is scaled down to between Ksh7,836 and Ksh8,717 as basic salary per month.

The highest paid ECDE teacher, a Diploma holder or Senior ECDE Teacher I with 15 years of experience, will earn a monthly basic salary of between Ksh15,224 and Ksh19,064.

SRC is however silent on the minimum and maximum salary for the degree holders despite categorizing them into seven Job Evaluation (JE)grades; Graduate ECDE Teacher III (entry), II and I, Principal Graduate ECDE Teacher II and I(Assistant Director); Senior Principal Graduate ECDE Teacher II (Deputy Director) and Chief Principal ECDE Teacher (Director).

And now the ECDE teachers, through their Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers (KUNOPPET), have rejected the SRC-proposed salaries, stating

that they are far much below the country’s minimum gazetted wage.

While addressing the media on February 5, 2023 at Nairobi’s Chester House, the national chairman Lawrence Otunga said that already some counties have started implementing the SRC advisory.

“Already, some counties including Homa-Bay have formally notified our members of the intention to revise the salaries downwards,” said Otunga.

The SRC salaries are below what the county bosses had agreed to implement in the Schemes of Service for ECDE Teachers during the Council of Governors (COG) meeting on December 20, 2021.

The council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Mwiti, through a letter dated January 5, 2022, asked all County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in charge of Finance and Education, as well as county secretaries, to use the approved

Scheme of Service (SoS) when recruiting new ECDE teachers.

Under the COG salary structure, ECDE teachers who are certificate holders at Job Group ‘F’ earn Ksh16,250, Diploma holders at Job Group ‘H’ Ksh27,195, while Degree holders at Job Group ‘K’ get Ksh33,994 as basic monthly salary.

Apart from the basic monthly salary, teachers enjoy house allowances which vary from Ksh2,700 to Ksh16,500 depending on one’s Job Group and their work station. They also get a commuter allowance of Ksh3,000 for certificate holders, Ksh4,000 for Diploma holders and Ksh5,000 for Degree holders. They stand to lose all these if the SRC directive is adopted.

“For some years, we were very happy that the CoG disregarded the SRC and instructed all the 47 CECMs in charge of finance to implement the SoS that was

drafted. But to our shock, the SRC has reminded all governors that no ECDE teacher’s salary is above the SRC’s structure,” said Otunga.

According to the Union, SRC has overstepped its mandate since according to Article 230 (4) (b) of the constitution, they are only advisors to both levels of government on remuneration of all public officers.

Otunga stated further that what SRC had done was setting salaries when the law does not allow it.

“We therefore reject the SRC’s inhumane, unfair, and illegal job evaluation and salary structure for the ECDE teachers. We will ensure that the ECDE teachers are not

undermined, underpaid and overworked. Our legal team is working on this matter and very soon we’ll meet the SRC in court,” he said.

His sentiments were supported by the Union Secretary General Samuel Opiyo, who urged teachers to remain calm as they work out things, ruling out strikes as they minded the rights of the children who know nothing about SRC and salaries.

An Economic Survey report released in 2022 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that there were 68,599 ECDE teachers (11,225 male and 57,374 female), with the total number of registered public pre-primary schools being 28,585.

KUNOPPET members led by chairman Lawrence Otunga (2nd right) and Secretary General Samuel Opiyo reject a proposal by SRC to revise the ECDE teachers’ salaries. Photo/Roy Hezron

Jamleck Muturi, TSC chairman.

KNUT wants JSS renamed Intermediate School

By Peter Otuoro

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Nyandarua Branch Executive Secretary Johana Ndung’u has asked the government to rename Junior Secondary School (JSS) Intermediate School so as to distinguish JSS learners from their counterparts in primary school.

Speaking at Olkalou Primary School, Ndung’u noted that the change of names might help deal with the confusion that is currently being experienced nationwide.

“Most parents and learners are confused since all learning will take place in primary schools,” he wondered.

He thanked the government for retaining JSS in primary school, pointing out that the move has ensured smooth transition of Grade Six learners to Grade Seven.

However, he noted that more infrastructure should be put up in primary schools to ensure smooth learning.

“The government should construct more Science laboratories and classrooms to accommodate all JSS learners and enable them acquire

KIAMBU

quality education," said Ndung’u. He thanked the government for employing more teachers to reduce the countrywide shortage, further adding that more teachers are needed to help in the implementation of the government’s 100 per cent transition policy.

Policy to address school dropout in Kiambu County in the works

By Kage Njoroge

The Presbyterian Church is using a different approach to help the upbringing of the boy child in the Mount Kenya region.

The departure comes after the realisation that boys are exposed to negative values during the circumcision rite of passage.

Presbyterian clergyman Reverend Daniel Kamau Ndiritu said the young boys risked being recruited into drug and substance abuse, criminal gangs, rebellion, alcoholism, irresponsible sex and HIV/AIDS, truancy, among othersduring this passage.

Reverend Ndiritu, who is the minister in charge of mooring’s Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA)parish, said the boy-child in the current society is facing serious threats which require structured strategies to combat.

To mitigate these challenges, the church has devised a circumcision programme for boys where they are empowered with teachings on building strong character.

The rite of passage programme involves teaching the initiates on the roles of men in society, religious and positive values, responsible living, existing risks posed by careless sexual behaviour, patriotism, handling women and household management.

“We have a road map on child protection policy and I am requesting all partners to give us support so that at the end of it we can have a policy for Kiambu County,” Barine said.

The policy will streamline response to cases of child abuse, defilement and FGM, with members of the community taking a more active role in rescuing survivors and reporting to authorities for action.

Presbyterian Church trains boys to be responsible adults

The teachings are geared to process men strong in character, confident in facing issues positively, guided by a set of values and having the ability to solve challenges for better living.

Rev Ndiritu added that boys who are circumcised through this initiative have emerged as responsible, cultured men who take self-responsibility to address issues facing them.

He said the programme empowers the minds of the boys to understand their purpose and desire to fulfill their potential through education and training to acquire useful skills for application in the industry.

He detailed that the programme intended to address the increasing alcoholism and drug addiction which have become serious challenges confronting menfolk in the country.

The rite of passage initiative is run by the Presbyterian Church Men Fellowship (PCMF) through organized circumcision activities.

The patron of PCMF in Murang’a parish Julius Karanja disclosed that some 30 boys underwent this process hosted by the local church.

Karanja said the initiates were class eight leavers who sat 2022 KCPE who were prepared to join secondary school with the ability to cope with changing circumstances.

Some of the topics taught include manhood, dangers of drug abuse, positive transitioning, self-awareness, entrepreneurship and money management, sexuality and HIV/ AIDS, relationship with parents, talent identification and nurturing, among others.

By Felix Wanderi

Kiambu County is developing a policy on child protection and social safeguards aimed at addressing alarming school dropout rates in the region.

Child labour incidences are high in the area as school-going children go to work in tea and coffee farms at the expense of school.

Children’s Services County Coordinator Rose Barine said this will safeguard the rights of children and the vulnerable in the community.

The Department of Education, Gender, Culture and Social Services, the judiciary and technical working groups are working on the policy.

Barine said this during the Kenya Children Assembly Kiambu County held at a Kiambu hotel.

Barine said that issues of drug abuse and pregnancies have been a challenge facing school-going children which will be addressed by the policy.

During the event, children participants drawn from the county elected leaders who will create awareness on children not in school.

Barine said that the assembly members have the right to tell their teachers of a child who is not going to school or a child who is being neglected because they should help

each other.

The children assembly was established in 2011 where children elect their peers aged 16 and below to represent them at the national level and to communicate the government policies and development plans to the children in the village and get feedback through the devolved structures.

Those elected include governor, deputy governor, speaker, deputy speaker, sergeant at arms and deputy sergeant at arms, clerk, deputy clerk and organizing secretary. They will hold office for a minimum of 2 years, which has two terms.

World Vision Kenya, the organizers of the event, advocated for children’s rights to be envisaged in county policies.

“The children assembly is a platform given to children to advocate for their rights,” said Alice Yugi, a World Vision Kenya representative.

Nyandarua KNUT Executive Secretary Johana Ndung’u.

Reverend Daniel Kamau Ndiritu.

Some of the boys who underwent circumcision through the PCEA church. Photo/Kage Njoroge

Children who were elected as leaders of Kiambu County Children Assembly pose for a photo with various leaders. Photo/ Felix Wanderi

Rose Barine, Kiambu County Coordinator for Children’s Services speaking during the Kenya Children Assembly.

Wema Academy Kisumu posts impressive KCPE results

By Fredrick Odiero

It was song and dance after Wema Academy emerged among the top primary schools in Kisumu which posted impressive results in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations.

According to the school Director, Mr. Elijah Oguta, the institution which is located in Kisumu West subcounty realized their best mean score of 375.6.

Jan Williams, who was the top male candidate, scored 400 marks out of the possible 500 and is hoping for admission into Kapsabet High school.

“I have done my bit and hope that

above.

He adds that the results did not come as a surprise because they have been on an upward trajectory from a mean score of 355 in 2016.

Oguta who is now busy working on structures for Junior Secondary School (JSS) says that they owe the brilliant results to teachers, parents and the support staff.

Assisted by the school head teacher, Mrs. Mary Akinyi - who holds a Bachelors Degree from Moi University - the Director says that the sky is now the limit.

Oguta says that they strive and produce holistic persons noting that many of their past students are now pursuing professional courses at various universities.

“Some of them are now doctors, engineers, and architects,” he adds with a broad smile.

I will be able to get a spot there so that I proceed with pursuing my dreams,” he said.

The top female candidate, Lillian Apiyo who scored 405 marks, said she would like to join the Kenya High school.

Director Oguta says that they realized 100% transition as all the 32 candidates who sat for the examination scored 300 marks and

Oguta, who holds a B.Com Degree from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Business Management from the same institution says he intends to acquire more space in the wake of the ever-increasing demand from parents.

Even though the JSS transition is a headache for many learning institutions, he says that they have already put up six classrooms for the same.

The Director disclosed that some of the major challenges he has experienced so far include poor fee payment and poaching of staff and bright pupils by other institutions. He also finds it hard to send pupils

home, especially the bright ones who come from poor backgrounds.

With a current population of 300 students, the school was started by the Director and his wife in 2009 with only 4 students in the Manyatta area under an ECDE programme within his residence.

He later started a physical school in Kisumo Kadongo in Kisumu West sub-county where they now had 9 students.

“I realized that many children lacked schools to go to hence the noble idea to start an institution with my wife who happens to be a trained teacher,” he said.

They later moved to Arina Estate but the demand was unbearable which informed their decision to acquire a parcel of land and move to their current location.

Currently, they target students from Kombewa, Chulaimbo and the city of Kisumu.

They host both day scholars – whom they transport to and fro with their buses - and boarders at the institution.

Director Oguta points to one of the school’s projects

Wema Academy gate

Lilian Apiyo, the best female candidate, is lifted in celebration

Jan William, the best male candidate, is celebrated by colleagues and teachers

Mary Akinyi, Head teacher

ECDE pupils during a class at the original location in Manyatta

Director of Wema Academy Elijah Oguta poses with some trophies the school has won in the past

By Erick Nyayiera

High flying Medula Academy in Bondo town, Siaya County has cemented its position in the top league of best performing primary schools in the country after recording sustained improved results in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) over the years.

The 2022 KCPE results were a testament to this as they managed to produce eight candidates who scored over 400 marks.

The top candidate, Shirlene Barasa scored 417 marks followed by Mashar Anne who garnered 413 marks while Shalton Peter scooped 411 marks.

Vyron Akoth (408), Pravine Odhiambo (406), Mitchelle Okinyo (406), Grace Amimo Aphia (406) and Claire Merissa (404) followed them closely.

The school had a candidature of 44 pupils with the least scoring 311 marks which brought the school mean to 370.

Medulla Academy retains academic dominance with impressive KCPE results

programmes are strictly planned on scheduled time which necessitates early syllabus coverage thereby allowing ample time for revision and addressing areas that may need more attention.

The Director continued: “We have ensured teacher-pupil contact is kept high in the sense that we rarely send our pupils home, this is thanks to the understanding parents who ensure that fees are paid promptly including other important obligations so as to enable learners to have ample class time.”

Digital literacy programs are compulsory to all learners from Grade Three. The school has a modern ICT laboratory complete with modern computers and other e-learning gadgets. They are planning to cascade the e-learning lessons to Grade One and has procured enough tablets for the program.

Junior Secondary School

With the modern infrastructure and well- trained teachers on Competency Based Curriculum, Medula Academy is ready for the roll out of the Junior Secondary Education.

The school population stands at 900 learners with 35 teachers.

School Director Mr. Anthony Ragong’a, while congratulating candidates for their high discipline and impressive performance, thanked the teachers for their hard work and dedication disclosing that they displayed immense zeal and sacrifice towards the learners, to the point of teaching them during odd hours.

He observed that the school

“We are well placed; we have the infrastructure and ready classes. We have constructed an ultra- modern science laboratory. We are in the process of finalizing a Home Science lab. More over to our advantage, our teachers are trained on CBC and we already have engaged secondary education teacher graduates to aid in the Junior Secondary curriculum,” revealed Ragong’a.

Ragong’a, a renowned educationist, is always keen to ensure that teachers’ capacities are built properly to make them offer effective services to the learners. He has in this respect invested substantially in maintaining re-training of his teachers to continue sharpening their tools to meet school target and the specific subject targets.

“We do competitive joint exams with other top performing schools to gauge our levels, this has been continuous and at all times we strive to set a target which we strive to achieve by the end of every year.

I’m glad to report that we have been able to

achieve all these because of the situation in the school where both the teachers and pupils are very motivated from the administration and the parents too,” he added.

On the adequate and beautiful infrastructure, he stated: “In general we can summarize by saying that we are making sure that the school is child friendly with all the requisite facilities and equipment. This makes learning very interesting and here the learners

always want to be in school.”

The Director thanked the Ministry of Education for their steadfast support and guidance, the sponsor, A.C.K Diocese of Bondo, for spiritual nourishment and the host community for ensuring tranquility and peace at

all times.

Head teacher Fredrick Akede expressed confidence that the stellar showing will even be better this year.

“I have no doubt in my mind that with the steadfast guidance and support from our Director, we will be even more victorious this year. The teachers here have no excuse since we are properly motivated and the parents too have always shown concern. We will strive to strengthen extra teaching both in the evening, at night and dawn,” he noted.

The Head teacher highlighted that they have a system of motivating teachers and learners who meet the set targets with monetary awards and gifts.

Medulla Academy has an effective compulsory feeding program where all learners are provided with relatively good food.

The Academy is undoubtedly an academic giant in Nyanza and Western region and is regarded as a trendsetter owing to the rich academic programs offered at the school that continue to draw high demand from parents across the nation.

It has a beautiful, modern infrastructure that befits a 21st century model learning institution and is situated in a serene environment that offers an apt atmosphere for learning.

A section of Medula Academy teachers

Fredrick Akede, Head teacher

Medula Academy students pose outside their administration block

Anthony Ragong’a, Director Mitchelle Okinyo, 406

Pravine Onyango, 406

Vyron Akoth, 408

Mashar Anne, 413

Shirlene Barasa, 417

Since Christmas and New Year celebrations have ebbed, there has been little merrymaking in my neighbourhood, though Mavumbi town intermittently bursts into life when visitors arrive and dwellers trudge back from the villages.

Yours truly had his fair share of celebrations during Christmas festivities, but things weren’t as good during New Year as my little angel Nectar fell sick suddenly.

But thank God for his mercies; she came back to good shape after two days. Nothing can be as stressful as nursing a sick child, especially if you’re not sure what exactly the problem is.

However, our school community broke into celebration when the KCSE results were announced.

Even though we have been doing fairly well over the years, this time round our performance was the best ever; three quarters of the candidates qualified for university.

One of the students who sweetly surprised us was Kadenge. He fell ill during the exams and did two of them at Mavumbi Referral Hospital.

The soft spoken young man was among the eleven students who scored grade A, including Chemistry which yours truly teaches, as well as English.

My colleague Marashi, who teaches Literature in English, has since been riding on cloud nine, confiding to all who cared that it was her prayers that worked the miracle.

Though I must admit that I’ve nev-

Napoleon and Marashi bring their war closer to the boss

Getting a goat was not a big deal.

Mavumbi slaughterhouse was busier with livestock than even during Christmas.

As we loaded the stubborn animal onto the pickup truck, Napoleon called to say he was doing some unspecified business in the outskirts of town and would join us later.

All went well and Obote was in very high spirits, though his subject History performed poorly.

Anyway, we were busy munching goat ribs when our deputy rode in on a hired motorcycle.

We all turned to look his way. He dragged a chair and sat next to his boss. Obote did not move an inch and kept munching his food.

By Pascal Mwandambo

to the national examinations. He looked in Marashi’s direction and warned “disgruntled teachers” who did not respect legitimate authority, saying they would not be allowed to compromise education standards in the institution.

er heard Marashi praying for anybody, I decided not to let anyone’s ego come between us and our glaring success.

In any case, people will readily associate with a success story even if they contributed nothing towards it, but will run away from failure like the plague.

So after branding our school bus with placards proclaiming our victory and making numerous demonstrations around Mavumbi town and its envi-

rons, we settled back in the staffroom and held a brief meeting; the gist being the sterling performance and how we should maintain the tempo.

After deliberations we decided to hold a party which would culminate in prayers by pastor Matuta, who runs a church in the neighbourhood.

As usual Marashi and yours truly led the party arrangements.

Sponsored Content

year's candidates are the first boarders, and the school wishes to invite interested parents from across the country to visit the school and admit their children.

The school population is 669 taught by 23 teachers who are united and dedicated to bring the best out of the pupils.

These are past mean scores: 2017(392) 2018(377) 2019(368) 2020(371) 2021(387) and 2022(398).

Head teacher Simon Maina said that the best candidate Stacy Achungo had 419 marks and aspired to join Ligulu Girls and later on pursue her dream of being a lawyer, following in the footsteps of her mother.

By Leonard Angatia

Green Mount School in Kakamega town behind Kakamega Referral Hospital emerged the best in 2022 KCPE with a mean score of 398.3, an improvement from 2021 mean score of 387.40.

The young school started in 2014 by Wesley Kibet as the director did her first KCPE in 2017 and managed to edge out some of the outstanding primary schools in Kakamega county.

Speaking to Education News, the director said they are primed for top honours in the near future.

"We are working hard to be a leading icon in education in the country. Teachers are sure of what is to be done and we’re only waiting for time to unleash our potential," revealed the director.

It's one year old as a boarding school. This

All the 22 candidates scored above 350 marks, 10 of them getting 400 and above while the last one got 376.

Marashi, Napoleon’s nemesis, winked at me and I winked back. My fears were confirmed. That was a subtle signal that she was not willing to serve our “deputy headmaster” food.

Napoleon, who was obviously in a state of intoxication, walked over and served himself in defiant mood.

Without warning, he began extolling his virtues and administrative acumen that had contributed to our sterling performance. Never mind the fact that he was promoted just four months

I am cork sure had Obote not been there, a war would have broken out between Marashi and Napoleon. Yet we let him ramble on until he ran out of something to say, astonished at the calm composure that Marashi assumed as the jabs and undercuts went her direction unabated.

I do not know what was going on in Obote’s mind, but I am sure something was coming up for the duo when the dust settled. Obote is one administrator you cannot take lightly.

He knows how to bite and blow with equal zeal.

Young Green Mount tops in Kakamega

Simon Maina, Head teacher

Wesley Kibet, Director

Varsity

President calls for public-private partnerships to facilitate research

By Erick Nyayiera

President William Ruto has challenged public universities to embrace public private partnerships to get adequate resources to facilitate research activities in the higher learning institutions.

Speaking during the launch of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)

Miyadhe campus for Blue Economy Research Hub, the head of state stated that such partnerships are a key remedy to the financial inadequacy bedeviling public universities and derailing implementation of their research agenda.

He regretted that the country is faced with a myriad of challenges that can only be sorted out by research and innovations from universities.

“The education taskforce is working on a formidable strategy that will see universities and other research establishments get financial support. Once we get the report, we’ll have clarity in the plan we intend to put in place to ensure that our universities are sustainable and have sufficient budgets to meet their expectations,” he clarified.

He revealed that part of the strategies will seek to ensure that courses offered in universities are relevant and helpful to meet the challenges that face the nation.

“We’ll achieve this by addressing the issue of expertise, knowledge and technology in our universities,” he said.

The president encouraged the management of the public universities to robustly engage

with the state department for higher education and research on the best formula of funding and managing the universities in the interest of the development of the nation.

“My government also affirms its commitment to facilitate TVET institutions across the country to ensure that Kenyans acquire quality technical skills and competencies required in the job market. I will also ensure to equip the TVET institutes and Universities with modern equipment and necessary facilities,” he affirmed.

President Ruto expressed satisfaction with the good work going on at the research hub.

“It is reassuring to note that there is a commendable new movement to scale up research and development in our universities. This only strengthens our confidence that Kenya is on course in socioeconomic transformation and competitiveness,” he stated.

He clarified that beyond mobilizing all national

THE PLATFORM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Alumni associations to be part of varsities’ management pending petition approval

By Roy Hezron

Public universities will now be compelled to include members of their alumni associations in key decision making processes if a petition presented in the National Assembly by one Patrick Kaberia is approved and implemented.

Kaberia, who is the Executive Director of PAWA Africa, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) specializing in socio-economic development and governance, wants the change to be effected through an amendment to the Universities Act, 2012.

The petitioner is seeking the intervention of the legislators to amend the Act and to among other provisions, replace the word ‘may’ in Section 42 of the Act with the word ‘shall’ in order to compel universities to establish Alumni Associations.

university and fellow graduates.

Alumni are an institution's most loyal supporters, fundraising prospects and they generate invaluable word-of-mouth marketing among their social and professional networks.

According to Section 42 of the Universities Act, 2012, a university may establish an Alumni Association consisting of graduates of the university and such other persons as may be declared to be members under the Charter.

The association shall act as an interactive forum for the members and perform such other functions as may be specified in the Charter.

Alumni associations are currently not included under the current compositions of the key governing organs of a university.

resources towards the actualization of sustainable development, his government’s transformation agenda is committed to harnessing innovations, scientific research and technological development.

“The facility we have launched at Miyadhe campus goes a long way in enhancing our efforts to promote high level research on the global economy space and this is important for Kenya in its quest to maximize its potential in the research frontier,” he said.

JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’ said the Kenyan labour market is currently displaying almost bottomless demands for the type of specialized competencies required by modern globally.

“The JOOUST blue economy research hub is dedicated to cutting age, pioneering research and innovations in aquatic sciences and fisheries. It will also look into the vital areas of green Energy.” Prof. Agong’ stated.

4,500 university students get Ksh52 million bursaries

By Agnes Orang'o

4,500 university students from Mwala Sub-county, Machakos County have received bursaries worth Ksh52 million.

Area MP Vincent Masau revealed that there were 6,000 applications, the highest number ever in the constituency.

“After sorting out the applications, we realized that 1,500 students weren’t from

the Sub-county hence the remaining 4,500,” he said.

He revealed that the process was fair and just and that he had introduced an online bursary application scheme to weed out cons.

“After launching the digital bursary application, the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) was able to save Ksh8 million that would have gone to these cons.” He said.

Further, he wants the House to give provisions that will empower university alumni associations to nominate representatives to the respective University Council and Senate, Management Board, Committees, and other organs in addition to managing an endowment fund.

“The petitioner wants the amendment to provide for the engagement of Alumni Associations and other stakeholders in resuscitating, rejuvenating and supporting public universities in Kenya.

Kaberia highlighted poor leadership, mismanagement, deteriorating debt levels, lack of

Under the Act, Council of a public university or its constituent college only consist of nine persons appointed by the Cabinet Secretary (CS).

They include the chairperson, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry responsible for university education, the PS in the National Treasury and Planning ministry, five members appointed by the CS through an open process, and the Vice-Chancellor who is an ex-officio member.

However, the alumni association plays a big role in the appointment of chancellors in public universities since the Act provides that in the process of appointing the chancellor, the Senate of that particular university is supposed to do so in

inclusivity and accountability, failure to comply with gender and regional balance and inadequate public participation as some of the ills facing the institutions.

He views the exclusion of Alumni Associations and other stakeholders in decision-making as a root cause of the current crisis facing public universities which has led to some universities nearly being closed or their property being auctioned.

“He is thus convinced that involvement of alumni associations to address the aforementioned challenges as well as secure support, national pride, prosperity and global competitiveness of universities through the resultant improvement in quality standards and management,” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula read the petition to the House.

Wetang’ula ordered the petition to be sent to the Public Petitions Committee to consider the request and report its finding to the House and the petitioner in accordance with Standing Order 227 (2).

An alumni association brings former students together to maintain a connection with their

consultation with the association.

According to Section 38 of Universities Act as highlighted in its Second Schedule on procedure for the appointment of the chancellor of a public university, if a vacancy occurs in the office of chancellor of a public university, the Senate of that university shall, in consultation with the respective alumni association, identify suitable persons for appointment.

The senate shall then vet all names submitted in accordance with the procedure set out in the charter then propose five names of persons deemed to be qualified under the provisions of the Act for purposes of ranking by the alumni association.

The alumni of the public university will then receive the five and be required to rank them in order of preference. The Senate will thereafter forward the names of the top three applicants to the CS for onward transmission to the president to pick one applicant for appointment as chancellor.

In case a public university is new and has no alumni, the president shall, from three names recommended by the CS, appoint the person to be the chancellor of the university.

Mwala MP Vincent Musau.

JOOUST Blue Economy Research Hub.

President Ruto watering a tree he planted at JOOUST Miyadhe campus during a visit to the facility.

Chiefs ordered to flush out students from Muguka trade

By Musyoka Kaleti

Embu County chiefs and their assistants have been ordered to carry out door to door campaigns to ensure all children go back to school.

Governor assures ECDE teachers of inclusion in medical cover

By Lydia Ngoolo

''We are directing chiefs to rein in all the markets within their areas where the young boys are participating in muguka business and weed them out because we want all of them in school,'' he said.

Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has assured Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) teachers that they will not be locked out of the medical cover scheme provided by AAR Ltd.

il servants covered at a cost of Ksh198 million.

He noted that some staff between job groups A-J raised the issue of access to some hospitals, a matter that is being resolved by both the county and the insurance company.

The Commissioner urged them to work closely with school heads and the Ministry of Education to ensure compliance by all students.

He warned business owners employing school children that they will meet the full wrath of the law, bearing in mind that no one should employ minors.

Kihara noted that they had already done mapping of notorious hotspots where the vice is rampant.

''We are going to arrest those children together with their parents because this is a vice that cannot be condoned at all,'' he warned.

His sentiments were echoed by Makueni health Chief Officer (CO) Stephen Ndolo who noted that the 923 ECDE teachers who were initially not covered have now been covered.

He revealed that last year, 1,876 civil servants were covered at a cost of Ksh217million. This year, there are 3242 civ-

He noted that there are 12 health facilities with access issues namely; Nairobi, Agha Khan Mombasa, Agha Khan Nairobi, Agha Khan Kisumu, Getrudes, Mater, MP Shah, Karen, Mombasa Hospital, Rapha, Makueni Nursing Home, Makueni Doctors Plaza and City Gate Plaza hospitals.

Welcome JSS students without uniform, head teachers advised

By Wasike Elvis

County Commissioner Stephen

Kihara.

While addressing the press after meeting the administrators together with Assistant County Commissioners and Deputy County Commissioners, the County Commissioner Stephen Kihara noted that there were several students, especially in Mbeere region, who were engaging in miraa businesses, a situation he said was hampering their education.

Kihara instructed the chiefs to start traversing different markets in the region and whip out all school going children who are plying the business.

MERU

Mbeere region has an expansive muguka plantation which many of the residents depend on for their livelihood but it seems students have joined in at the expense of their education.

Some students are said to wake up early in the morning to harvest the product before going to school.

Stakeholders have raised complaints to the county government to establish regulations that will bar school children from getting into the business.

Uasin Gishu Director of Education Harisson Muriuki has warned school heads against turning away Junior Secondary School (JSS) students who do not have uniforms and desks.

Speaking at Wareng Secondary School, Muriuki said schools should enroll all students whether they have uniforms or not.

He said school heads should not issue any restrictions to any pupil coming to join JSS.

“We are warning you head teachers that you have taken another face as far as management is concerned. We don’t want a situation where you tell parents to come with desks, or pay some levies for them to be admitted. Anyone who will be found will face the full force of the law,” he said.

He further warned private schools against overcharging JSS parents during the transition.

“Private schools should be sensitive on the fees they are charging. Be friendly so that you can get students,” he said.

He urged school heads to be transparent as far as government capitation is concerned.

Stakeholders raise alarm over rampant drug abuse among youth

By John Majau

Stakeholders in Meru County have raised concerns over the prevalence of drug abuse among youth from the area.

According to James Kinyua, a campaigner against drug abuse and trafficking, the usage and spread of narcotics has increased because security checks are no longer effective.

"Just as foreigners sneak into the country through the Marsabit route, drugs are also easily trafficked in and we are asking security forces to

be more vigilant because the youth are at risk," he said.

The Youth against Drug Abuse (YaDA) organisation has launched a programme to address the plight of victims, even as it urged other stakeholders like security personnel and rehabilitation centres to play their part.

YaDA president Dennis Kiama, who is a prison officer at GK Meru Prison, said the organization launched a sensitization campaign targeting the youth including those in learning institutions.

The interventions include

educating the youth on the perils of falling prey to drug peddlers, whose sole motivation is making a financial kill.

Speaking at Mwanganthia in Central Imenti Sub-county during his campaign, Kiama, who is a reformed drug addict, spoke of the suffering he endured and the pain he caused his family and friends.

"Drug abuse affects your entire life; work, relationships and health. Having survived it myself, I made it my responsibility to teach as many youth as possible about its harmful effects," he said.

He urged the teachers to visit hospitals without access issues as the county government and

medical service provider sort out the issues.

Tharaka Nithi set to host inter-county youth games

By John Majau

Tharaka Nithi County Executive Member for Youth, Tourism, Sports and Culture Maureen

Nyambura has revealed that the county will host the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) games from April 23-30, 2023.

Nyambura revealed that youngsters aged between 18 and 23 years from all the 47 counties will compete in football, volleyball and basketball in men and women’s categories.

She added that the championships are aimed

at nurturing talent and that preparations for the eighth edition of the games are ongoing.

Nyambura added that the newly constructed Ksh247 million Kirubia Stadium in the outskirts of Chuka town will be the main arena for the games.

Other competitions will be held at Chuka University, Chuka Boys High School, Chuka Girls High School and Ikuu Boys High School.

The games, which will bring together more than 30,000 people, are expected to boost businesses in Chuka town.

KKF Western region to open Karate academies in primary, secondary schools

By Michael Oduor

The Kenya Karate Federation (KKF) Western region has partnered with learning institutions to open Karate Academies to train students for the sport at an early age.

Speaking at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) during the Inter-University Karate and Taekwondo Championships for Western Conference, the Secretary General of KKF Western Region Christopher Ouma said other than universities, the federation has set up academies at Ekambul, Sigalagala and Musingu high schools.

He added that they were targeting to have competitions for primary and secondary schools once the negotiations to open academies in all schools become successful.

Shisoka Akaka, the chairperson of Kenya Uni-

versity Sports Association Western Conference, said the championship is guided by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) rules.

Akaka, who is also the Director of Sports at MMUST, said they are hoping to do their best in the national play-offs at Meru University on Feb 25, 2023.

“After the national competitions, we’ll proceed to the East Africa games and thereafter the Africa Inter-University and the International Inter University games,” he said.

During the championships, Rongo University emerged position one followed by Maseno University and MMUST. Kaimosi University took position four while Kibabii, Kisii and JOOUST took position 5, 6 and 7 respectively.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and health Chief Officer Stephen Ndolo in a past event at Makueni Referral Hospital. Photo/ Courtesy

Rongo University Karate team posing for a photo after emerging position one in the competition.

Children’s W rld

Why children need to handle money at a young age

By Amoto Ndiewo

It could be due to poverty or upbringing that most Kenyan parents do not give their children money, unless when sending them to the shops.

“The clarion call in most families is; ‘no money for kids,’” says Eric Oluoch of Smartkids, which deals with financial literacy for kids.

Oluoch says this stiff attitude is misleading because if children are not exposed to money at an early age, it could lead to not knowing how to use it in adulthood.

“If a kid is not taught how to handle money in childhood, it becomes difficult to handle it in adulthood,’’ notes George Mwangi, a former teacher at Young Muslim in Garissa.

Mwangi told EN that he gives his grade four daughter bus fare every week.

“If she misuses the weekly amount, it is her problem how she will get to school,’’ said Mwangi, saying it is one of the

Poetry

By Robert Stevenson

reasons children are grievously harmed for losing 20 shillings or even less.

And just like Oluoch, Mwangi says children need to be trained on how to handle money from a tender age, and if possible, they ought to be rewarded with some

cash for the little chores they perform at home.

However, he is quick to point out that children need not be spoiled with too much cash as that is against the purpose of children’s financial literacy plan.

By Roy Hezron

Arecent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has poured cold water on the government’s efforts to promote inclusion in education.

According to the report released in November 2022, 2.5 million primary school children aged between 4 to 17 years have never been to school.

It also shows that children living in hard-toreach areas are more likely to have not attended school, along with those affected by child marriage, living with disabilities or on the street.

The report also found out that around 3 million children are engaged in child labour in Kenya, though the proportion fell from 34 per cent in 2014 to 13 per cent in 2018.

On adolescents and young people, the findings of the research reveal that secondary school enrollment is at 53 per cent, lagging well behind the primary school enrollment rate of 93 per cent.

Around 6 per cent of Kenyan children have shared naked images of themselves with other internet users while 14 per cent have gone to meet someone they encountered online.

The report also revealed that 4.2 million children were married before 18 years of age, with the rates decreasing from 26 per cent in 2008 to 23 per cent in 2014.

“The number of new HIV infections among adolescents has declined to 5,300 in 2021. However, they remain as high as 19 per cent in Homa Bay in the west of Kenya,” read the report in part.

The report revealed that violence against children is pervasive. Around one in two young women, representing 46 per cent, and 56 per cent of young men, have experienced violence as a child.

According to UNICEF, the future of Kenya depends on its children and around half the population of the country are under 18 years, translating to 23.5 million children. Of these, more than half or 12.3 million children are multi-dimensionally poor, meaning that they are deprived of various needs, services and rights.

Generally, 16 million Kenyans (30 per cent), including 42 per cent of children, still live on less than US $2 a day, which is approximately Ksh 247.60. Children living in rural areas and those living with disabilities are more vulnera-

From a Railway Carriage

Faster than fairies, faster than witches, Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;

And charging along like troops in a battle,

All through the meadows the horses and cattle:

All of the sights of the hill and the plain Fly as thick as driving rain;

And ever again, in the wink of an eye, Painted stations whistle by.

UNICEF report: Govt’s efforts towards inclusion in education still a pipedream

43 still die before the age of five – and in some counties this rises as high as 109 per 1000 births.

Around 2 million children in Kenya are malnourished. From 2008 to 2014, the report shows that stunting among children under five fell from 35 per cent to 26 per cent while wasting fell from 7 per cent to 4 per cent. However, the percentage has begun to rise again due to drought.

Almost 22 million children, or 86 per cent, were fully vaccinated by the age of one in 2019/20. However, large numbers of unimmunised children have led to outbreaks of measles and polio.

On pregnancy and childbirth, the report shows that around 5,360 women per year, or 0.48 per cent of women, die during pregnancy or childbirth; with maternal mortality ratio declining by 52 per cent since 2000.

Young boys hang out to while away the time. Despite the government’s effort at 100 per cent transition, a latest report by UNICEF pokes holes as over 2.5 million children have never attended school.

ble. The report also shows that around 83,000 children per year die before reaching the age of five years in Kenya, with the main causes of death being diarrhoea, pneumonia and neonatal complications.

The findings of the report show that children living in the northern

Questions

Here is a child who clambers and scrambles, All by himself and gathering brambles;

Here is a tramp who stands and gazes; And there is the green for stringing the daisies!

Here is a cart run away in the road Lumping along with man and load; And here is a mill and there is a river; Each a glimpse and gone for ever!

1. Who is the persona in the poem?

2. Identify the rhyming pairs of words through the poem.

3. Name three things in the first paragraph that show the speed of the train.

4. How would you tell the train is moving at high speed? Does the last line of the poem sum up this?

5. Describe what you think the child is doing in the first line of stanza 2.

6. What might be the possible position of the persona in the train?

7. Is the persona enjoying the journey? Why?

8. Do you think the persona is travelling alone? Why?

9. Lines 4 & 5 seem to be the slowest in terms of beats. What do they tell you about the speed of the train at that point?

10. Do you think the train is faster in stanza 1 or 2?

counties and urban informal settlements are most likely to die from preventable diseases. However, these numbers have fallen dramatically over the past thirty years, with the under-five years mortality rate decreasing by 57 per cent between 1990 and 2020. Though, for every 1,000 children born in Kenya,

Life doesn’t frighten me

1. The beats of the first two lines of every stanza are the same, creating a regular rhythm that can be sang or rapped. The beats (rhythm) change in the last stanza.

2. Wall, hall: loud, cloud: goose, loose: flame, …pane. This pairing of words that sound the same at the end of a stanza’s successive lines is called rhyme.

3. A child is speaking. This is called the persona.

4. Shadows, noises, dogs, ghosts, goose, lions, dragons.

5. Open answer, as long as you can give a justification.

6. Courageous, daring, defiant, brave, etc.

7. Open answer, but probably very scared yet putting on a brave face.

8. The onomatopoeic (words associated with sounds) ‘boo’ and ‘shoo’ show how the persona is trying to scare the animals away.

9. They go wild because the persona is not scared, instead she/he smiles.

10. The animals try to frighten the persona, and the persona wants to scare them back. It is a standoff.

In 2021, 79 per cent of births were attended to by skilled health personnel, up from 53 per cent in 2017.

As per the report, around 1.4 per cent of children under the age of five die every year with almost half of these deaths occurring in the 28 days after birth.

According to UNICEF, primary health care and community health can meet up to 90 per cent of children's health needs.

However, coverage of community health services in the country is 59 per cent while in some counties it is much lower, at just 17 per cent.

In 2020, a series of UNICEF’s County Poverty Profiles and Budget Briefs found that 26 per cent of children were suffering from malnutrition, yet counties were spending less than 1 per cent of their budget on nutrition services for children.

ACROSS

1. Example of fodder crop

3. How many days does a leap year have?

5. Mother of prophet Samuel in the Bible?

7. Number of counties in Kenya

9. Msimu wa mvua nyingi

11. Male youth

13. Main attraction at the Kenyan Coast

DOWN

2. Who in the Bible built the ark to save people from floods

4. Number of books in the Old Testament

6. Example of insect with incomplete metamorphosis

8. Jumla ya silabi katika mishororo ya shairi

10. Communities in the past mainly interacted through

12. Young woman

14. Kinyume cha kitenzi cheka

TERTIARY INSTITUTI NS

Shedding light on TTCs, TVETS, ECDE, other Colleges EDUCATION

Kitale National Poly offers to formatively mentor Kwanza TTI

By Osborne Benn

The Kitale National Polytechnic will provide administrative and academic mentorship to the soon to be constructed Kwanza Technical Training Institute.

The institution, which is set to be put up on a 13-acre piece of land at Kwanza Centre, will be financed by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) under the patronage of area MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi.

"The inaugural learning programmes will be offered at our facility as the institution comes up. We will do capacity building to the teaching and non-teaching staff of the institution," said John Akola, the principal of Kitale National Polytechnic.

Wanyonyi said the process of recruiting members of the Project Management Committee (PMC) that will develop a plan that will facilitate the construction of the Ksh60 million project, which is set to commence by July 2023, was ongoing.

West Mugirango digitizes bursary application

By Ongondi Nyakundi

Students in secondary schools, universities and technical and vocational training colleges (TVET) from West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, can now apply for bursaries online.

Area MP Steve Mogaka said this aims at improving efficiency, transparency and ensure they get the help real time.

"From today, all applications for CDF and bursaries must be done through the platform and those who ignore it will be locked out,” he said.

MCA urges youth to join technical institutes

By Agnes Orang'o

Tala Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jackson Ndaka has urged youth across Matungulu Sub-county to take advantage of local technical training institutes to acquire requisite skills for the labour market.

"We are glad to have agreed with the Kitale National Polytechnic to offer mentorship to the institution. This is a great milestone that will address the education needs of residents of Kwanza," said the MP.

The project had delayed due to a dispute arising from the ownership of the land, and it took the intervention of area Governor George Natembeya to allow the process to begin.

Mogaka said that digitizing the process is a milestone as his leadership seeks to improve efficiency in service delivery.

Speaking at his office during the launch, the MP said that the move would ensure all applicants are captured in the system.

The exercise is meant curb

corrupt malpractices, with the MP urging applicants to report those who solicit for bribes. He assured all applicants of fairness in disbursing the bursaries as those who come from outside the constituency but are voters will get assistance.

Present during the event include MCAs Duke Marisa and Julius Matwere.

Speaking after a football tournament held at Mukalwa courtesy of the Mackenna family in conjunction with area MP Stephen Mule, Ndaka said that a lot of youth look down on local technical institutes.

He added that since the government has strengthened technical institutes, the youth can acquire skills similar to those acquired from uni-

versities.

“Most youth from this region underate Katine Technical Training Institute yet people from outside are benefiting at the institute. Please join these institutes because there is no difference between them and others elsewhere," he advised.

Revise admission requirements to TTCs to curb teacher shortage, ministry urged

By Mathews Bulimo

West Kenya College Deputy Principal Winfred Inumba has expressed concern over the new requirements to join the teaching profession.

By Cally Imbayi

Principals of polytech-

nics in Kakamega County have been asked to inculcate productive skills in students for self-sustainability in the job market.

Addressing the principals in a consultative meeting organized by the Department of Education, Science and Technology at the Kakamega County Polytechnic, the in-charge County Executive Committee Member (CECM)

Godfrey Owori said the Kakamega County Government had equipped polytechnics in the relevant fields, among them building and masonry, plumbing, and catering and hair dressing that are very competitive in the job market.

"I want to take this opportunity to assure you that your institutions will receive capitation from the county government to help

The deputy principal urged the government to revise the admission policy to Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs), arguing that most students do not attain the qualifying grades hence contributing to teacher shortage in the country.

Kakamega polytechnics encouraged to nurture productive skills

The department's Chief Officer (CO) Leah Khasandi instructed the principals to embrace Performance Contracting (PC) management tools and cascade them to their subordinates so as to enhance productivity.

The CO also asked the officers to nurture the culture of proper planning and accountability.

you run them smoothly and seamlessly,” he added, saying the institutions are central to governor Fernandes Barasa's manifesto.

The CECM further en-

couraged the heads of the institutions to engage in income generating activities to diversify their income streams as well as motivate learners.

She said the college was certified in September 2022 and is currently training those upgrading in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) and Prima-

ry Teacher Education(PTE).

“We’re also training teachers in the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and would like to urge those who haven’t trained in the same to do so,” she said.

Head of County Treasury CPA Herman Dennis Lusuli enlightened the principals on the need for adherence to the Public Finance Management Act 2012, reminding them to follow the right procedures in delivering quality services to the public as stipulated in the Constitution.

By Felix Wanderi

Ruiru Technical and Vocational College (TVC) has opened its doors to young people seeking technical training after construction was completed and the institute handed over to the Ministry of Education.

The TVC, the first TVET in Ruiru Sub-county, is situated in Gatongora Ward and is expected to enroll about 2,000 students willing to acquire knowledge and skills that will propel them to the job market.

Speaking while officiating the handing over of the institution that will be run by Kabete Technical Institute, Ruiru MP Simon Kingara noted that technical jobs are on demand, hence joining the technical institute

will give young people leverage to secure jobs after completing various courses.

“The technical institute will offer courses up to diploma level,” Kingara said.

Courses to be offered include mechanics, electrical installations, welding and metal fabrication, hairdressing, catering, plumbing, masonry, carpentry and joinery.

Kingara said Ruiru has over 100 companies which can employ skilled people, yet many youth aren’t trained.

“Most young people cannot be employed in many industries since they do not have formal training,” he said, adding; “as a result of that, they end up doing menial jobs which aren’t well paying.”

Kakamega Polytechnic principals during a meeting with the CECM. Photo/ Cally Imbai

West Kenya College Deputy Principal Winfred Inumba.

Tala Ward Member of County Assembly Jackson Ndaka.

West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka.

Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Kwanza MP.

JANUARY 2023 INTAKE ONGOING

NAKURU TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE

Society should extend help to rescue homes, says charity foundation

By Peter Otuoro

Professional counselors and medical practitioners within Nakuru County have been urged to visit children’s homes and rescue centres within the county to offer guidance and counseling services to thousands of children living there.

receiving guidance and counseling services.

Dr Ngesa said all children are gifts from God and that through care, they can all be important people in the society in future.

JANUARY INTAKE ONGOING APPLICATIONS IN PROGRESS

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

COURSES OFFERED

Diploma in teacher Education (DTE)-Arts

Qualification: KCSE Mean Grade C+(Plus) with C plain in English , D+ and above in Maths and C+ in two teaching

Subjects

Diploma in teacher Education (DTE) - Science

Qualification: KCSE Mean Grade C+ (Plus) with C plain in English , D+ and above in Maths and C-in two two teaching

Subjects

Special need Education(SNE)

Qualification: You must be a Trained teacher

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & TECHNICAL COURSES (TVET)

LEVELS OFFERED

Diploma minimum Grade KCSE (C-)

Certificate minimum Grade KCSE (D+)

-Co-operative management

-Information Technology

-Social Work and Community Development

APPLICATIONS IN PROGRESS

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

COURSES OFFERED

Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE)

Qualification: KCSE Mean grade C+ (Plus) with C plain in English , D+ and above in Maths and C+ in two teaching Subjects

Diploma in Primary Teacher education (DPTE)

Qualification: KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) C Plain in English ,Kiswahili, Maths, Humanity and One Science

Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE)

Qualification: KCSE mean grade C

Special Need Education (SNE)

Qualification: must be a Trained teacher

UPGRADING PROGRAM

From ECDE Certificate to Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE)

From Primary Education Certificate to Diploma in Primary teacher Education (DPTE)

COURSES OFFERED

He urged the youth to take up technical training to bridge the skills gap in the county.

“The government will pay Ksh30,000 to the first people to enroll in the institute. We are looking forward to helping needy students with bursary. The skills acquired are vital to eradicating poverty, economic recovery and sustainable development. The trainer's capacity will also be strengthened so that the product quality is in tandem with the industry demands,” Kingara said.

The contractor Alloys Kinyanjui said the construction of the institute started in 2020 and has been completed with enough classrooms and administration block that will enable youth from Ruiru have an institution

She urged Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance, plus other medical organizations to regularly visit these homes and offer medical health services.

JANUARY INTAKE ONGOING ADMISSION

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & TECHNICAL COURSES (TVET)

LEVELS OFFERED

Diploma minimum Grade KCSE (C-) Certificate minimum Grade KCSE (D+)

COURSES OFFERED

-Co-operative management

-Information Technology

-Social Work and Community Development

Dr Pamela Ngesa, Director of Love for All Endowment Foundation Centre and Outreach, revealed that many of these children need guidance and counseling services, especially from professionals to boost their morale in life.

“Some of these children are from broken families. Some were on the streets before coming to these children’s homes, hence they need to be guided and counseled to boost their morale,” she said.

Speaking at Baruti Ward in

Dr Pamela Ngesa

Nakuru County, Dr Ngesa noted that both boys and girls are equally affected by moral and social issues such as sex and drug abuse.

She noted that there have been cases of such children shining in various fields after

“These children need adequate medical care to lead healthy lives,” she said.

She also urged the County Government of Nakuru to give full sponsorship to some of the bright children to enable them pursue their academic goals.

Many children living in these homes are from slums within Nakuru County like Kampembwa, Kivumbini, Lake View, Kwa Rhoda, Flamingo, and Bondeni.

Stakeholders call for concerted efforts to uplift education standards

By Enock Okong'o

Stakeholders from Nyamira County have pledged to work with education officials to support the education sector through mentorship programmes.

Led by Patrick Matoke, the stakeholders said there’s need for parents and other experts to reinforce the efforts of education officers on education matters.

He expressed concern that many form four leavers transit to tertiary levels without knowing their exact career paths.

By Benedict Ng’etich

He added that his group, Nyamira Compassionate Heart Value, will hold meetings across the county to encourage school leavers to remain focused in their education pursuits.

“We won’t sit back and watch the youth pursue education as a pastime activity,” he said, further urging parents to be in the forefront in encouraging their children to embrace vocational training.

He promised that his group will conduct several meetings themed Transitions Student Mentorship, which will target form four leavers about to join

(From Left) Mariam Hassan, Director TVET Nairobi, Margaret Mbugua, Ruiru DCC and Ruiru MP Simon Kingara during the handing over of the Ruiru Technical and Vocational College (RTVC).

where they can get technical training.

Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Margaret Mbugua urged the residents not to allow bars to be opened near the school as they contribute towards destruction of the youth.

William Mwaura, a resident, said that they are grateful that the government is encouraging the youth to acquire technical skills by building technical training institutes.

Esther Muthoni, also a resident, said that her daughter enrolled for a catering course that will help her realize her dream of being a professional caterer.

The community neighbouring the Kericho Township TTI has been urged to utilize the facility by enrolling their Standard Eight and Form Four leavers. Making the appeals, the institute board chairman Dr. Daniel Lang’at, Principal Shadrack Tonui and Ainamoi Member of Parliament (MP) Benjamin Lang’at said the current community enrollment was dismally low.

Dr. Langat, who was speaking during an NG-CDF public participation forum held at the Keongo Primary School grounds, called on the community opinion leaders and parents to mobilise school leavers to utilize the facility, which was at their doorsteps.

“The future for this country now lies squarely on the products from technical institutions. The future is TIVET,” he said.

On his part, the principal welcomed youth from the community and informed them the TTI currently enjoys high standards of internet connectivity and had that it had recently received 100 computers from the national government.

Those present thanked the MP for initiating the TTI by allocating it land, urging him to work towards its expan-

higher institutions of learning.

Matoke, who is the CEO of Compassionate Heart Value Groups, thanked the government for allocating the NGCDF money to be used for developing constituencies.

He asked MPs from Nyamira County to establish a mechanism where only needy and orphaned children benefit from Constituency Education Bursary Fund.

He lauded Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane for allocating a huge amount of the NGCDF funds to the education sector.

Community urged to enroll their children in Kericho TTI

Township TTI Principal Shadrach Tonui receiving internet equipment from ICT officials from the national government.

Photo/ Benedict Ng’etich

sion in the future.

The MP also reiterated calls on parents to patronize the institution, calling on them, “not to spare any resources in making sure that their children obtained the best education available”.

He added that graduates from technical colleges always have an advantage to be considered for employment due to their hands on experience.

He also took time to encourage enterprising women to enroll for

courses at the college, saying they were tailored for the businesses.

On education performance in the constituency, he said there was need for concerted efforts to improve the results both in KCPE and KCSE.

The MP noted that absenteeism by teachers was a chronic problem in several schools and warned that he might be forced to engage with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take disciplinary action.

The college also offers Agriculture courses. Interested candidates can apply. January 2023 intake ongoing!!

NYANZA | NYAMIRA

KNUT asks TSC to employ teachers on county need basis

By John Majau

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Tharaka

Niithi branch secretary Njeru

Mutani has said the government should employ teachers according to shortage, claiming the uniform allocation of the 30,000 by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will disadvantage some regions.

He was speaking at his office in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County, where he said Tharaka Nithi primary schools have are understaffed by 357 teachers and secondary schools have a deficit of 655.

The official said KNUT should have been included in the teachers employing committee for checks and balances.

"We hope the interviews will be transparent in future and we would be included. We are the people who represent the teachers. We know the challenges teachers face and the affirmative action per area," he said.

By Richard Shichangi

Mutani said the previous recruitments in Tharaka Nithi were transparent.

Further, he said teachers are uncomfortable with the current medical scheme that both NHIF and AON offer, adding that the AON cover expires in October.

"We had requested that because of many issues with AON, we should be covered by a comprehensive or enhanced NHIF, which is superior to AON," Mutani said.

Consequently, he urged the government, through legislation, to increase the allocation of medical insurance from Ksh15 billion to Ksh23 billion.

"When the government was advertising for the tender for a comprehensive cover, NHIF asked for Ksh23 billion. However, AON got the tender after it quoted Ksh15 billion," the official said, adding: "We are now requesting the government to add the deficit of Ksh8 billion so that teachers can be comfortable with the medical scheme of NHIF."

St Anne Mumias Girls Primary School posted sterling performance in 2022 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) after more than twenty five candidates from a candidature of 269 scored four hundred marks and above.

Speaking to Education News, the school head teacher Sr Cyrilla Sanya thanked Almighty God for enabling them to consistently record good results.

The school recorded a mean of 358 and the best candidate, Faith Grace Nyongesa, scored 416 marks.

Sr Sanya observed that the God fearing school is guided by Catholic values and norms which have been a pillar for the school’s good results since its establishment more than seventy years ago.

She described her teaching team as exemplary and hard working and thanked them for steering the school to

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

About 160 bright but needy pupils from across the country will pursue their secondary education stress-free after they were awarded a five-year scholarship by the Kenya Education Fund (KEF).

The scholarship covers four years in secondary school, and one year in college.

The students received their cheques from the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in a ceremony at Nazarene Church, Nairobi County.

KEF Executive Director and co-founder Dominic Muasya said the beneficiaries will also receive mentorship and life skills, productive health and will be prepared for transition to their careers of choice.

He said the organization's main aim is to ensure needy students are in school, promising to sponsor more students if they get more finances from well-wishers.

The beneficiaries were interviewed in July 2022 before they sat their KCPE examinations. More than three thousand students had applied for the scholarship.

“Our students do well and have had a high rate of transition from high school to university,” he told Education News

In the last KCSE exams, he disclosed that 99 per cent of candidates were able to transit to the next level due to the comprehensive support they are offered.

KEF chairperson Dr. Grace Waiharo noted that they are sponsoring close to five hundred beneficiaries who are now in secondary school.

Waiharo said the organization alumni donated hundreds of thousands to the organization for supporting more needy students.

One of the beneficiaries Valentine Sen-

Kenya Education Fund awards 160 scholarships

tei scored 342 marks out of the possible 500 from little known Iltilal Primary School (Public) in Kajiado South.

Her father died some time back, leaving behind seven children and she is hopeful to complete her secondary, thanks to the scholarship.

Prudential Life Assurance Kenya representative Stella Warui, who is also a KEF Board Director, said they will support 85 students out of the 160 that will be joining the programme this year.

Since its inception, KEF has sponsored more than four thousand students in secondary education.

Director of Education Fredrick Kiiru, who was the chief guest during the event,

FOCUS ON TOP SCHOOLS

noted that the sponsorship has boosted transition from primary to secondary.

He called on parents to give hope to their children, especially those from needy backgrounds.

KEF goodwill ambassador Francis Munyao, popularly known as MCA tricky and a comedian, challenged the beneficiaries to perform well in class.

He called on well-wishers to join the organization in supporting needy students to access education.

Munyao, who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kenyatta University, said he received a scholarship after he dropped out of school and joined dangerous street life.

St Ann Mumias Girls Primary posts sterling results in 2022 KCPE

greater heights.

She also appreciated the input of the BoM for ensuring that the school runs its programme with minimum interference.

“I also thank parents for being supportive and ready to work with the school for the better results,” she appreciated.

The head commented on the discipline level of the school saying that it’s the hall mark of their success.

She revealed that the school is endowed with necessary facilities that support learning and ensure that the girls realize their academic dreams.

“We believe in providing holistic education that will make the girls resourceful in life after school,” she said, adding with pride that alumni from the school always shine in all spheres of their lives.

good results

The school recorded a mean score of 358 from a candidature of 269. 25 candidates scored more than 400 marks and above.

Faith Grace Nyongesa topped with 416 marks.

KEF Director Stella Warui, CEO Dominic Muasya, Education Director Fredrick Kiiru, Francis Munyao and Francis Ng’ang’a, KEF Country Director with beneficiaries pose for a group photo. Photo/Obegi Malack

Head teacher Sr Cyrilla Sanya with some of the best pupils celebrating the

Sr Cyrilla Sanya poses for a group photo with some of the best pupils in 2022 KCPE

One of the best students is carried shoulder high during the celebrations

The best girl Faith Grace Nyongesa is carried shoulder high during the celebrations

St Peters Mumias Boys produces best candidate countrywide in 2022 KCPE

By Shichangi Richard

Pomp and colour characterized the celebrations at St Peters Mumias Boys Primary School after the school produced the best candidate countrywide in the just released 2022 KCPE results.

Lewis Otieno defied odds and beat more than one million candidates to emerge the best with 431 marks.

The school head Sister Anne Onyancha thanked God for enabling them realize their life time dream of producing the best candidate countrywide.

She noted that the school has been producing good results since its inception but has never produced the best candidate in the country.

“God has done it under my stewardship and I’m the happiest

The school produced best pupil countrywide, Lewis Otieno, who scored 431 marks.

More than 51 candidates scored 400 marks and above.

The school recorded a mean of 371.16.

lady in the world,” she proudly said.

She revealed that the school had a mean of 371.16 and that during last year’s World Teachers’ Day celebrations, the school was ranked 3rd nationally and awarded trophies.

“We were the best school in Western region but missed the medal

of producing the best candidate. Now that we have we give all praise the living God for his reward,” she said.

Out of the 340 candidates who sat the exams, 51 scored four hundred marks and above.

The last pupil scored 261 marks which translated to 100% pass

Sr Onyancha congratulated the teachers for working round the clock to ensure they achieve the best results. She singled out the his deputy David Maloba, the 2022 class 8 teacher Ronald Wakhungu and the entire 2022 class teachers for making them proud.

She also thanked the BoM team led by Joakim Oundo, his PA counterpart Francis Masakhalia and the entire St Peters fraternity for their cooperation and hard work which saw the school thrown into the limelight for their performance in 2022 KCPE.

The head noted the school is established under strong Catholic values and morals and that the same has greatly contributed to it being ranked among the most disciplined school in the country.

Kakamega county governor praised the school for making the county proud and promised to fully sponsor Lewis’ education.

2022 World Teachers’ Day

Sr Anne Onyancha introducing the teaching staff

School Head teacher Sr Anne Onyancha, Kakamega County Governor Fernandez Barasa (in orange tie) , parents and pupils celebrate the results at the school

2022 Class eight teacher Ronald Wakhungu (R) , Lewis Otieno (centre) and his father Engineer Peter Otieno pose for a photo

Sr Anne Onyancha (centre), Governor Fernandes Barasa (in orange tie) and other county officials follow proceedings during the event

Trophies the school won as the best in the county and position three in the country during

‘Sleeping lion’ Cardinal Otunga breaks barriers to rank second nationally

By Emmanuel Gwakoi

Cardinal Otunga High School - Mosocho has reclaimed its lost academic glory by performing well and being ranked the second best school nationwide in the just released 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

The school posted a mean of 10.76 up from 7.44 in last year’s exams.

Speaking to Education News, Chief Principal Chrispinus Owino noted that all the 330 candidates who sat the exams qualified for direct university admission.

28 students scored A plain, 201 scored A-, 97 scored B+, 3 scored B and 1 scored B- .

He added that the best student, Philip Otara, scored A plain of 84 points.

The chief principal revealed that the candidates benchmarked at St. Joseph Kitale and visited Moi University to have a feel of university environment.

“The teachers completed the syllabus in first term, giving them ample time for revision in the second and third terms. They also coached the candidates during weekends and invited Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) examiners who talked to the candidates and motivated them to work hard,” he explained.

He added that the teachers attended subject workshops and were taught how to improvise teaching methods, set exams and how to interact well with students to boost performance.

He lauded Kisii Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Mairura for visiting the school prior to the examinations and talking and motivating the students.

“The bishop, an alumnae of the school, appealed to the candidates to score a mean of B minus; and that is what they did as the last student had B minus,” he said, further adding that the school has a pastoral programme where students are nourished spiritually.

“We put God first in everything we do,” he said.

The chief principal lauded the parents for supporting the school to instill values in the candidates and supporting the school’s academic programmes, saying it contributed to the sterling performance.

“The school has a shortage of

dormitories and we’re appealing to the government to help us construct more so as to ease congestion,” he appealed.

He implored the government to complete the construction of a multipurpose hall, adding that they have only received Ksh10M out of the Ksh30M they were to receive.

The chief principal also called on the school alumni to trust the school management and administration and asked that they continue partnering with the school and elevate it both academically and in co-curriculum activities.

‘I urge you to assist us get more infrastructure to help curb the congestion of students in classes, dormitories and other facilities. Your assistance is needed at this time and highly valued to ensure that the school remains one of the best in the region,”

Owino told the alumni. He encouraged the alumni to visit the learning institution and to share

more tactics on how to improve the mean and develop the school.

The deputy principal administration David Mayaka said discipline is taken seriously; it is no wonder the disciplinary committee is composed of seven teachers.

“Theft, drugs, sneaking out of school, fighting and noise can easily result in suspension. We also have CCTV cameras in and outside our classrooms and this helps in monitoring the learners round the clock,” said Mayaka.

It is also instilled through a functional prefects body that is elected by students and trained in seminars twice yearly to understand what is expected of them.

He noted that through barazas and suggestion boxes, the students have the opportunity to give their opinions, to which the administration responds promptly via the chief principal.

Mayaka added that the school maintains close links with parents, even as teachers work collectively for discipline to be kept at a high level. He noted that the good result was achieved through remedials and teachers monitoring personal study during extra hours, as well as giving them a balanced diet for health and concentration in studies.

Deputy Principal Academics Gerald Ayiera said in 2022 KCSE, they had a mean target of 8.5 and above (B-) which they surpassed as a result of God’s kindness, commitment from teachers, cluster exams(Hybrid 1 exams which set form 1 and 2 work and Hybrid 2 exams which set form 3 and 4 work).

He added that the students also did mock, post mock as well as other joint exams like Kisii Catholic Diocese schools joint exams.

“The exams kept the students busy as they had to review their notes every time,” he said, further adding that the students were disciplined and didn’t waste time on unnecessary energy.

Ayiera revealed that in 2023 KCSE they have set a target of 10.8 and applauded the BoM for supporting all the school programmes.

The PA Chair Captain Omayo Francis noted that as parents, they are happy over the schools’ progressive performance and shall continue supporting the administration in all

their projects for the betterment of their children and the future generation.

The school is named after Cardinal Maurice Otunga, a Catholic cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Nairobi between 1971 -1997.

He was then elevated to Cardinalate in 1973 as Cardinal-Priest of San Gregorio Barbarigo alle Tre Fontane.

Total student population in 2022 was 2160. The school expects 700 form ones by the time intake is closed.

Gerald Ayiera, Deputy Principal Academics

David Mayaka, Deputy Principal Administration

Students in a past event

Chrispinus Owino, Chief Principal

The teachers completed the syllabus in first term, giving them ample time for revision in the second and third terms.

Captain Omayo Francis, PA Chair

Rev. Fr. Denis Rogena Matundura Ondieki

Boost as Mandera County funds ECDE programmes Governor unveils Ksh350M bursary for all secondary school learners

By Amoto Ndiewo

Mandera County has embarked on an aggressive campaign to boost education outcomes in the region, Deputy Governor Dr. Ali Maalim has revealed.

Part of these efforts include funding Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), where the county government has been pumping over Ksh80 million annually.

With a firm foundation in ECDE, children are expected to improve their results from primary and all levels of education.

‘’Besides a firm foundation on ECDE, we are also footing school fees for more than 16,000 students from poor backgrounds,’’ he said.

The funding, he noted, will go a long way in providing food and improving the infrastructure of schools, and providing an enabling environment for learning to take place.

However, Dr. Maalim called on the national government and other development partners to intervene by donating food supplies and keep learners in schools.

The country is facing severe drought and the region historically

bears the brunt of biting food shortage.

“This is the worst drought in four decades and has made the majority of families unable to make ends meet,” he said, adding that they are paying school fees for more than 16,000 learners from the vulnerable families.

In addition, he revealed that in order foot such a huge bill in education, the horn of Kenya County had to make sacrifices.

This includes reducing expenditures on unnecessary overseas and local trips as well as other costs.

The DG said that the county government made a pact with the MPs to assure that Constituency Development Funds (CDF) and bursary be geared towards the students in universities and teacher training colleges.

“Since the county has an acute teacher shortage we want to encourage students from the region to pursue teacher training and education to bridge the gap,” he said.

He regretted that the problem of poor results is compounded as not so many are eager to join technical and vocational training institutions.

By Vostine Ratemo

Mandera County parents can now breathe a sigh of relief after Governor Mohamed Khalif pumped a whopping Ksh500 million as bursary fund to benefit 22,000 students in all the 59 public secondary schools in the county.

The governor’s gesture was applauded by residents and Kenyan citizens across the divide since it has come at a time when parents are struggling financially.

Khalif is the first governor since the onset of devolution to make learning in public secondary schools 100 per cent free.

Mandera County is one of the counties worsthit by drought, hence the governor’s initiative will be of much help as it is expected to uplift the lives of the residents.

Sponsored Content

Stop using children to distribute drugs, traffickers warned

By Peter Otuoro Nakuru County Com-

missioner Gilbert

Kitiyo

Mohamed Wehliye, a Kenyan and senior advisor to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, commended the initiative saying that it is a rare gesture from Northern Kenya leaders and that the move will surely lift many people out of poverty and make them more productive and prosperous.

According to a study by the Global Out of School Initiative, many students are likely to drop out of school from the Arid and Semi–Arid Lands when schools resumes.

Mandera is expected to have the highest number of school dropouts. There are 295,470 children aged between four and seventeen years. Other counties that are under this threat are Wajir and Marsabit.

has warned drug barons and peddlers against using school-going children as a agents to distribute drugs.

“I am warning drug barons to stop engaging school children in such illegal activities because we are coming to arrest and arraign them,” he said.

Kitiyo said that drugs damage the youth’s social and academic lives and urged them to keep off for

the sake of their academic life and a meaningful future.

Speaking to Education News in his office in Nakuru City, Kitiyo said he had witnessed drugs damaging lives of many children and urged parents to educate their children on its adverse impact.

“Drugs have a very negative impact on the society. We need to protect our children before they destroy their lives,” he said.

Kitiyo urged the youth to distance themselves from bad company as one of the ways to live a drug-free life.

Junior Academy Manyulia produces best pupil in Khwisero Sub-county

has demonstrated its consistency in producing good results and further revealed that they are well prepared for Junior Secondary School intakes.

She noted categorically that the school has qualified teachers and a conducive learning environment where the best learning outcomes can be achieved.

“We have modern facilities and efficient transport systems which ensure that pupils can go for

By Shichangi Richard

Song, dance and ululations rented the air at Junior Academy Manyulia after the release of 2022 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results.

The school Director madam Lilian Pessah said the school produced the best candidate in Khwisero sub county.

She noted that they will double their efforts to

perform better since they are competing nationally.

Excellent Shirok led the thirty five candidates by scoring 412 marks. He was followed closely by Ian Collins with 403 marks. The last candidate scored 280 marks.

The school registered a mean of 354.89.

“Our pupils compete favourably with others both in high school and at the university level,” she said.

She appealed to parents to embrace the school as it

academic trips. The buses also help us to provide transport to pupils who come from far,” she said.

Director Panster Pessah promised parents a value for their money.

Nakuru County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo in his office.

Best student Excellent Shirok is carried shoulder high by teachers and parents after release of 2022 KCPE results

Director Panster Pessah during the interview

Excellent Shirok (in checked shirt) is interviewed by the press

Education sector claims huge chunk of 2023/24 budget

By Roy Hezron

The education sector will take the lion’s share of the budget for the 2023/24 Financial Year (FY) and the medium term, with a total allocation of Ksh539.90 billion where Ksh512.83 billion will go to current expenditure and Ksh27.07 billion will be directed to capital expenditure.

This is revealed even as the government initiates far-reaching reforms in the sector, key among them being the establishment of a National Skill and Funding Council (NSFC).

The Council will amalgamate the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Technical Training and Vocational Education Training Institution (TVET) and University Funding Board, and will increase funding to bridge the current 45 per cent gap.

According to the Draft 2023 Budget Policy Statement by the National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, dated January 18, 2023, the allocation is Ksh13 billion more than the previous FY when the budget of Ksh525.94 billion had Ksh501.44 billion being set aside for current and Ksh24.5 billion going to capital expenditure.

In the budget estimates, the State Department for Higher Education and Research will be allocated a total of Ksh102.27 billion, with Ksh96.14 billion as current expenditures and Ksh6.13 billion will be taken up by capital expenditure.

Of this allocation, university education will be allocated Ksh100.7 billion to aid the aforementioned reforms, with Ksh94.70 billion being in form of

current expenditure while Ksh6.01 billion will be capital expenditure.

Research, Science, Technology and Innovation will generally be allocated Ksh1.08 billion, with Ksh962 million being current expenditure and Ksh119 million as capital expenditure. Ksh477 million will be directed to general administration, planning and support services in the state department in form of current expenditure.

The ailing financial health in public universities has been blamed on underfunding by the National Treasury, exacerbating the sinking of universities due to lack of funds, with the higher learning institutions being challenged to adopt innovative ways to mobilize resources to bridge the financial gaps.

At one point last year, Universities Fund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Geoffrey Monari pointed out that dependency on the government to bail out

universities might not be tenable due to competing interest.

The government is also planning to set up a National Open University to increase access and reduce the cost of university education, while making the 100 per cent transition to higher education a reality.

In the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) released on January 20, 2023, there were 1,146 (0.13 per cent) candidates who obtained an overall Grade A compared with 1,138 (0.14 per cent) in 2021.

The number of candidates with minimum university entry qualification of grade C+ (plus) and above rose to 173,345 (19.03 per cent) in 2022 compared to 145,776 (17.55 per cent) in 2021.

While releasing the results, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu stated that the Kenya Universities and Colleges

52 more TVETs coming up in 2023/24 Financial Year

By Education News reporter

The government is planning to construct fully equipped Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the remaining 52 constituencies as part of its major priority areas in 2023/2024 Financial Year (FY).

According to the Draft 2023 Budget Policy Statement released by the National Treasury and Economic Planning ministry on January 18, 2023, the government has allocated a total of Ksh23.8 billion under the State Department for Vocational and Technical Training - where Ksh19.8 billion will be for current expenditure while Ksh3.9 billion will go to capital expenditure.

Youth Training and Development has been allocated a total of Ksh40 million in form of current expenditure, while Ksh187 million will be used on general administration, planning and support services as current expenses.

Recently, Vocational Training Centre (VTCs) managers appealed to the government to address the huge pay disparities of VTC’s trainers and other civil servants in the same Job Group (JG) and fully implement the scheme of service for Youth Training and Development personnel of 2012.

Post-training and skills department

on the other hand has been allocated a total of Ksh541 million, where Ksh177 million will be used on general administration, planning and support services as current expenditures.

Workplace readiness services has been allocated a total of Ksh334 million of the total post-training budget, with Ksh70 million being for current while Ksh264 million going to capital expenditures.

Post-training information management was allocated a total of Ksh30 million, which will be in form of cur-

Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) should engage with higher education regulatory bodies – Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) – to ensure that all learning institutions are prepared to enroll new students.

“This is in line with the Ministry of Education’s goal of providing fair and balanced access to quality and relevant higher education and training and the government’s policy of 100% transition,” said Machogu.

Basic education, CBC implementation

The budget, whose focus will be ‘Economic Recovery Agenda to Promote Inclusive Growth’, will also see the State Department for Basic Education being allocated a total of Ksh112.24 billion, where Ksh96.33 billion will be in form of current expenditure while Ksh15.90 billion will be in form of capital expenditure.

Primary education as per the budget estimates will receive Ksh20.71 billion, with Ksh18.11 billion being in form of current expenditure while Ksh2.60 million will be for capital expenditure.

The first interim report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) recommended the domiciling of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) in existing primary schools.

The government will spend Ksh9.6 billion as capitation grants to learners in JSS for Term One and Two of 2023, as each of them will receive an individual capitation of Ksh15,000 per year.

This will increase to Ksh18 billion in the ensuing FY; Machogu directing that while the Ksh15,000 remains the same capitation, Ksh4,000 will be spent on development of infrastructure; the greatest priority being on laboratories.

(5.56 per cent) in 2021 to 30,822 (3.49 per cent) despite the increase in candidature.

Machogu noted that most of the 2022 KCSE candidates scored grades of higher quality, adding that all the remaining candidates are eligible to join middle level colleges.

The CS further directed the Principal Secretary (PS) for TVET Dr. Esther Muoria and the semi-autonomous agencies in the Ministry of Education (MoE), including the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), to work to ensure that the agenda of TVET remains robust.

“I therefore direct the KUCCPS to move with speed and establish the number of places available in our universities, colleges and TVET institutions to enable the immediate commencement of the placement exercise,” he added.

rent expenditure.

While releasing the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu stated that the government was going to give special attention to the TVET sub-sector.

In 2022 KCSE, the number of candidates with a mean grade of D+ and above was 522,588 (59.14 per cent) compared to 442,251 (53.29 per cent) in 2021. Those who got an average of E declined significantly from 46,151

TSC to get lion’s share of education budget

By Hezron Roy

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will get a massive Ksh300.88 billion from the education sector budget in the 2023/2024 Financial Year (FY), making it the highest recipient of the taxpayer’s funding cutting across all government agencies and departments.

This will be an increase of Ksh3.48 billion from the current budget.

According to the Draft 2023 Budget Policy Statement, Ksh 300.08 billion will go to current expenditure while Ksh799 million will cover capital expenditure.

A total of Ksh292 billion will be directed to teacher resource management, where current expenditures have been allocated a total of Ksh291.2 billion, as capital expenditure gets Ksh718 million.

Governance and Standards on the other hand will be allocated a total of Ksh1.17 billion in form of current expenditure. Ksh7.70 billion will cater for its general administration, planning and support services.

National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u notes that in order to increase the teacher to learner ratio in primary and secondary schools, the government has provided resources to the TSC to recruit 30,000 teachers.

During the release of 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in January 2023, TSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Nancy Macharia said they want the new recruits to be on the Commission’s payroll on January 30, 2023, the same day the Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners will report to their respective schools.

“I thank all the stakeholders who have worked round the clock to ensure we professionally conduct the interviews in the biggest teacher recruitment since the late 1990s. I assure the country that this process has been conducted independently and professionally while complying with the values and principles of the Constitution,” said Dr. Macharia.

According to TSC, all the teachers who will be recruited will be put on a retooling regime that will ensure they adequately attend to JSS learners.

Already it has trained 2,376 master trainers ahead of the retooling exercise of all the new teachers and others currently teaching in secondary schools - with the Commission targeting to train 90,000 teachers between January and April 2023.

Machogu also said that the government is determined to ensure that the credibility and authenticity of qualifications and certificates by all institutions remain of high quality, adding that the government has developed a system for articulation, classification, registration, accreditation and quality assurance of national qualifications.

He therefore directed KNQA to ensure that the National Qualifications Framework is fully implemented as it will enhance the quality, relevance and authenticity of qualifications, not just locally but globally; and further promote portability of qualifications and mobility of labour.

In December last year, teachers, through their Unions, made a raft of demands; key among them being re-negotiations of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to include in a monetary element effective from this year 2023.

In its resolutions during the 62nd Annual Delegates’ Conference, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) was mandated to push for a 60 per cent pay increment.

If they have their way, the increment would see the highest paid teacher at Grade D5 take home Ksh252,249.60 up from Ksh157,656. The lowest paid will earn Ksh43,192 up from Ksh27,196.

In July 2021, teacher Unions signed a non-monetary CBA with the TSC. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers’ (KUPPET) Secretary-General Akelo Misori, who was among the guests, vowed to work with KNUT to push for better working conditions.

CS National Treasury Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u (Left) in a consultative meeting with KRA senior officials.

Trainees during a practical lesson in an Automotive Engineering workshop.

By Leonard Angatia

Reformed Church Of East Africa Moi Girls' Nangili High School was ranked the most improved school in Kakamega County in 2022 KCSE and they attribute the wonderful performance to God.

The school recorded a positive deviation of 2.3284 to register a mean of 7.8681 from 5.5397.

The principal Anne Sumba, who joined the school last year as a deputy before being promoted, revealed that the exceptional 2022 class had a fighting spirit, was hard working and disciplined.

"I envisioned a good score from

Moi Girls’ Nangili grabs most improved school title countywide

the girls who were constantly in consultation and ready to learn. I attribute the performance to the enthusiastic, industrious and gogetter teachers who went out of their way to bring the best out of our queens," the jovial principal said, adding that spiritual nourishment emanating from the RCEA church plays a vital role in bringing students closer to God.

She also attributed the good performance to the excellent leadership of the former principal Mrs Mayabi Karen.

She revealed that 201 out of 235 registered candidates qualified for direct university admission.

Sumba, who teaches English, said

all stakeholders are harnessing energies to achieve the set target of 8.0 in this year’s exams.

“We are aiming to achieve the mean and we’ve brought everybody on board to help us achieve the target,” she said, adding that the goal is attainable

through team work and accountability from all stakeholders.

She revealed that adequate preparations and discipline are their clarion call for success.

She added that the top performers are rewarded after the release of every

exam results.

“We invite motivational speakers to talk to the students,” she added, further explaining that the students are constantly tested to keep them in exam mood after syllabus completion.

The candidates do joint exams

with other good performing schools across Western region called HEXA, a move that has improved students’ performance across all forms.

She thanked the guidance and counseling department for uniting and forming an indomitable bond among teachers, students and the non-teaching staff.

Deputy Principal Erastus Libese Sabatia said that the school is a

powerhouse in co-curricular activities, especially games in the Western region. The extra-county school with a student population of 1,000 has six streams and 33 TSC teachers. It also has 22 teachers contracted by BoM.

Some of the teaching staff led by principal Anne Sumba on the right

Students in a revision class

Milton Osanya, Director of Studies

Erastus Libese Sabatia, Deputy Principal

Administration Block

I attribute the performance to the enthusiastic, industrious and go getter teachers who went out of their way to bring the best out of our queens.

Anne Sumba, Principal

How Principal nurtures winning spirit in learners

By Lydia Ngoolo

Despite admitting students who scored below 300 marks, Matinyani Mixed Secondary School has become a household name in Matinyani Sub-county owing to its good performance in national exams.

In the last release, the school was ranked second out of the 20 schools in the sub-county.

Principal Martin Kimongo said the school’s mean has gradually improved since he joined the school.

“When I joined the school, it had a mean of 2.9. It slowly increased to 4.06 in 2020, 5.09 in 2021 and 5.17 in 2022,” he said.

The principal added that every morning and evening, the students recite the school slogan of ‘We’re in the better school’ and that the slogan has worked wonders.

He said they are aiming to be one of the best schools in the county.

"We want to emerge one of the best schools in the county.

We have the zeal, dedication and seriousness to enable us achieve our dream," Kimongo said.

He noted that the overall mean of the school is discussed

Governor roots for affirmative action in education sector

By Kipilat Kaptuya

pered learning.

and departments encouraged to surpass it. The students are also motivated.

“There is also stiff competition among the teachers and they are rewarded within their departments and motivated through PA and BoM programmes,” he added.

The students have Science practical subjects despite limited resources.

The school has come up with special meals every Friday where they slaughter a goat for the students.

The principal introduced a cultural week to nurture students’ talents.

"I started it and found very dedicated and expert teachers who trained and conducted the exercise very well. The students fully participate in it," the principal said.

The school has 15 TSC and 4 BoM. However, there is need for 22 more teachers to cater for the increasing student population.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has called for an affirmative action in the education sector to address disparities that have dogged it for a long time.

Speaking to the press in Kapenguria town, Kachapin challenged the national government to reconsider the region for infrastructural development as most residents have embraced education, enrolling their children in huge numbers and forcing some to learn under trees.

He said setting up of boarding schools in the area will increase the retention of learners in school, which may also become rescue centres for girls running away from FGM and early marriages.

“Many girls have been running away from the vices and have gone to a few rescue centres,” he said.

Kachapin encouraged parents from the region to embrace education by taking their children to school.

The governor lamented that the county had experienced high school dropout rates due to lack of basic needs like food.

“Many children, especially girls, drop out of school because they lack essential commodities. We have set aside 1 billion shillings for bursaries and we give out Ksh25,000 to each needy learner,” he said.

He said frequent migration to Uganda in search of pasture and water during dry seasons had largely ham-

“Many parents are pastoralists who move with their animals, and children are forced to go with them,” he said.

the governor pointed out that the county performed well in last year’s KCPE and KCSE examinations.

“We laud all the education stakeholders, parents and teachers for the commendable job they did. This shows how the narrative of the county has changed,” he said.

He noted that despite the county facing teacher shortage, it managed to perform well.

He asked the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to post more teachers to help improve education standards.

“We are having a deficit of 3000 primary and 650 secondary school teachers in the county. The government should now consider this region that has been marginalized for a long time,” he said.

SCHOOL

Simon Kachapin, West Pokot Governor

Matinyani Mixed Day Secondary School Principal Martin Kimongo.

From band guitarist to CS: The untold story of late Prof Magoha

By Victor Ochieng’

Prof George Magoha (pictured), at one time in his life, was member of a band called L’Orchestre Luna Success de la Capital, which later morphed to L’Orchestre Lunna Kidi. It was founded by Ochieng’ Kabbasellah, who was a student at Pumwani High School. Magoha played the bass guitar for a year.

He would later take this hilarious mien to public service as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for education, rarely smiling but full of humour.

Before death plucked him from the garden of life, he had served as Vice Chancellor (VC) of University of Nairobi, chairperson of Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Education. He also served at the helm of Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB), Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA), and International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA).

An alumni of Starehe Boys Centre and Strathmore College where he did his O and A levels respectively, he joined University of Nairobi for Medicine, but shortly afterwards

on March 18, 1985 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Magoha successfully completed his internship in 1979 and applied for registration as a medical practitioner with the Nigeria Medical Council. He thereafter secured recommendation for surgical training at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

After internship, he started preparing for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations. His first postgraduate training posting was to the Surgical Accident and Emergency Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

In January 1980, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital gave him a study leave to prepare for the FRCS examinations at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland in Dublin.

He later returned to Lagos for further training and was posted to the general surgery unit within the Nigeria National Postgraduate Medical College at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

As part of rotation, he served in other surgical specialities such as paediatrics, cardiothoracics, orthopaedics and plastic surgery before proceeding to the University of Ibadan’s Medical School for another exam, which was within the Nigeria National Postgraduate Medical College.

When he passed the exam, he rose to senior resident in surgery, hence was posted to the urology unit at his request.

Magoha returned to Kenya in 1987 to teach at the University of Nairobi. He had published six papers in peer-reviewed journals on the subject of testicular torsion, breast cancer, cancer of the prostate, and C-reactive protein concentration after renal transplantation.

He reported to work on January 6, 1988. His duties included teaching undergraduate medical students, as well as postgraduate students pursuing general surgery and urology.

He opened a part-time surgical and urological consultancy clinic at Hurlingham in Nairobi after obtaining a part-time private practice licence by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB).

In 1996, he became an Associate Professor of Surgery. He qualified for the promotion after supervising eight Master of Surgery students to completion. He had published 23 peer-reviewed scholarly articles in both local and international journals. He had participated and presented papers in many local and international surgical and urological conferences.

OPEN FOR JAN 2023

got scholarship to pursue the same course at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

In April 1978, he qualified to become a medical doctor without ever having to repeat any exam.

He applied for internship to the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and was posted to the medical wards where he spent three months each in the major clinical specialities of internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology. His surgical internship posting was to the urology unit of the department of surgery.

It was during his short stint in the anatomy laboratory at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital that he met Odudu Barbara Essien, who later became his wife.

They tied the knot on May 15, 1982 and went for honeymoon in the Republic of Togo. Their only son Michael Augustus Achianja Magoha, now a neurosurgeon, was born

In 2000, he became Dean, Faculty of Medicine, unopposed. He was in charge of all academic programmes, to be part of Deans Committee and to sit in the Senate.

He became a full professorship soon after for he had supervised to completion over 22 Master of Medicine Surgery theses, published 32 peer-reviewed publications in local and international scholarly journals, and participated in several academic conferences.

In 2001, he acted as the Principal of the School of Health Sciences. He later became the substantive Principal in the same faculty. His work revolved around the management of three faculties: Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry. He joined the University Management Board (UMB) and started attending meetings convened by the University Council.

In April 2002, Prof George Magoha became the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Administration and Finance.

On January 5, 2005, he became the sixth VC of the University of Nairobi where he

Mean Score of 379.73 and top score of 419

2022

served for ten years. When he picked the job, he created an efficient team within the management. He focused on teamwork a and decentralized system of management. He signed a performance contract with the University Council involving specific measurable targets.

The most exigent target was to establish the maiden University of Nairobi Corporate Strategic Plan (2005-2010). He brought on board experts in Strategic Planning from the School of Business and the School of Computing and Informatics.

Prof Magoha focused on financial management, human resource

management, integrity, performance contracting, ISO certification, student management, time management, public procurement, industrial relations, policy formulation, good corporate governance, team building and bonding.

Therefore, through his managerial genius, the university excelled in teaching, research, scholarship, consultancy, community service, good governance and management. He also implemented the Module II academic programmes that kept the university afloat.

University of Nairobi Towers came up during his tenure. Undoubtedly, it was the most ambitious and expensive

project in the university since its provenance in 1970 that cost Ksh2.8 billion.

In 2006, Prof Magoha enrolled for an executive programme at Stanford University to learn new things and share experiences in corporate governance and best management practices.

Subsequently, in 2016, former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him chairperson of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to later elevate him to CS for Education.

The reviewer is an avid reader, author and public speaker. vochieng.90@ gmail.com.

Vostine Ratemo

With the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results out, education stakeholders and the residents of Dago Thim village in Kisumu West Sub-county have raised concerns over the direction Dago Thim Mixed Secondary School should take.

This is because of the astonishing results posted by the class of 2022. Out of the 51 learners who sat the examinations, not a single one of them qualified for university.

The school managed to get a mean score of 3.00, with the first student scoring a mean grade of C plain. Two of them got grade E, and the only ones thus far.

This isn’t the first time in a decade that the school has not been able to take students to university. It is made grimmer by the announcement by education Cabinet Secretary (CS) that most schools, especially upcountry ones, had at least some C+ grades.

There have been consistent poor results from the school as also in 2021, it managed a dismal mean of 2.85, the lowest ever in the history of the school.

However, in 2014, the school registered the highest ever mean score of

Tough questions over shocking KCSE results at Nyanza school

Kisumu and Vihiga counties, it has moulded a great deal of influential personalities such as Dr. Edwin Obungu ,who at the moment is an assistant administrator at Kenyatta University, among others.

5.125 when Linet Omollo was principal.

Dago Thim is a school with a vast history. First, it was incepted by the celebrated late Dr. Robert Ouko, who was a powerful minister in the late president Daniel Moi’s regime. It was originally a vocational training college before being vandalized leading to its closure in the late 90s.

It was not until the year 2,000 that Dago Thim Secondary School was born. It sits on a 2-acre piece of land and is sponsored by the ACK church. Located along the border of

The contrast is even made starker by one George Ogalo, who in 2014 scored an A-. When Hobson Onchuru took over as principal in 2019, there was discontent as he is the first non-local to head the institution.

Joyce Muyesu, a resident, regrets the low grades lately recorded, hinting that the community has severally shown hostility towards the principal, especially during meetings to discuss performance in national examinations. It is often done in the presence of students.

“Parents speak negatively about him, mostly in vernacular. Some opt to take their students to neighbouring schools like Dago Kokore , Bar Union

A section of the school compound.

and even Gamalenga Secondary school in Vihiga County,” she laments.

Yet while addressing teachers, Oddah Okumu, the school’s Director of Studies (DoS), said they were doing all they could to return the school to peak performance.

“I am appealing to the area chief, sub-chief and the council of elders to close all the chang’aa dens surrounding the school as it has brought a bad influence among our students,” she said.

Brighton Olweny, a Form One student, said the main challenge that the students face is water stagnation during rainy seasons.

“Even to access the restrooms during the rainy season is a big problem and the frog inhabitants limit our concentration in class,” he said.

The school is built on a swampy area, hence the name ‘Dago’.

He says absenteeism is largely

One of the buildings that are sorely neglected.

By Agnes Orang'o

In September 2020, Maureen Wayua Nzwili’s stomach started growing bigger and bigger. With schools closed due to Covid-19, news that the Form Three student at Musingini Secondary could be pregnant swirled at Kwa King’eli home, Machakos County.

Determined to prove them wrong, she visited a health facility eight kilometres away. One look at her convinced a nurse that she was indeed pregnant and visiting a clinic looked ideal.

"I explained that I wasn't pregnant but was met with deaf ears as nurses saw it as a lie and sent me to the lab for a blood test,” says the 19year old.

A disinterested lab technician threw a book at her, feigning she was tired and wanted to enjoy her afternoon siesta.

Dejected, she was directed to prenatal care where nurses keenly listened to the foetus' heartbeat.

“I was taunted with questions if I could feel the baby kick and after answering in the negative, I was referred to Matuu Hospital for an ultrasound," she adds.

At the Matuu Level Four Hospital, an ultrasound was done and instead of a baby, massive ascites and fluid buildup were found within spac-

Relentless cancer victim braves disease to score B

When she went back home without a baby, many thought that she had procured an abortion.

“The cancer was at stage 1A and was curable and I had to start a four cycle chemotherapy session. My last session was in September 2021,” she recounts.

When schools reopened in 2021, she went back to Form Two and though she had initially dropped Biology to do Physics, she rescinded her decision.

Determined to put her troubles behind, she focused on education, saying it was her only hope.

Instead of a baby, Maureen surprised many after she emerged top of her 2022 KCSE class after scoring a mean grade of B Plain of 63 points.

brought about common ailments like malaria, cholera and bilharzia, which are extremely rampant during these wet seasons and are associated with wet environments.

Nonetheless, there have been a number of interventions by the school administration to ensure that there are good results in the coming examinations, among them being the introduction of evening devotions on Fridays after classes, where invited guests encourage the students.

Despite the tensions, the principal has tried to convince the neighbouring primary schools and parents to hand them their children to bridge the dwindling population.

On a brighter note, the school has bought a piece of land to provide space for construction of more classes to add to the existing five and two laboratories

had procured an abortion after going home without a baby.

The baby the village hoped for has been replaced with a mean grade of B plain of 63 points, topping in her school.

When Education News visited her at Mercy Servants of the Poor Center in Kaonyweni, the firstborn in a family of seven was upbeat that her life is set to change for the better.

"Her parents were ex-communicated from their church because of the issue. I had to take the girl from home because the stigma and environment were not friendly for her," stated Sister Mary.

Some had misled her parents to believe that their daughter was bewitched and didn't have cancer as the doctors at KNH had diagnosed.

es in her abdomen.

Five litres of fluid was emptied but after some hours it was back. She was referred to Machakos Level Five Hospital.

With a deaf and dumb father, and a mother doing menial jobs, unable to raise the required finances, she went back home, her hopes dashed.

In January 2021, Sister Mary

Musembi got wind of her plight and took her to Kenyatta National Hospital where the fluid was emptied, again.

Several tests were conducted and Maureen was diagnosed with Sertoli, Leydig cell tumor grade one, a rare cancer of the ovaries. An oophorectomy was done and Maureen spent a month in the hospital.

Initially, she wanted to be an engineer but now wants to become a gynecologist. Her sickness and how she was handled motivates Maureen to pursue a course in the medical field to ensure no patient is victimized.

“There are times my suffering and humble background blurred my vision and I would sink into despair but the school was very supportive in such times," she recalls.

Sister Mary Musembi said the journey to recovery was not easy as people at home thought that Maureen

"The mother called me one time asking me to take her daughter back, claiming that she had found a person to treat her,” she says.

However, she refused and even threatened to call the authorities but after a while, she understood and apologized.

"I'm glad Maureen is okay, the sorrow and pain that was on her face replaced by a big smile,” she said.

She credits all that to God and well-wishers, adding that she is not positive about life and pleads for sponsorship to help Maureen complete her university education.

Sister Mary Musembi with Maureen at Mercy Servants of the Poor Center for the abandoned, sick, unknown and homeless.

A past photo of Sister Mary and Maureen at her home in Kwa King’eli village before treatment.

Hobson Onchuru, Principal.

Rare feat as Chebwagan posts sterling results to transit all to varsity

By Leonard Angatia

Chebwagan, an extracounty boys school in Bureti Sub-county of Kericho County, is in a celebratory mood after attaining an admirable mean score of 9.74, taking all its 2022 candidates to university.

It is a rare feat to say the least. Though there was no straight A, there were 20 A- , 180 B+, 85 B plain and 4 B- in a class of 289.

So impressive were the results that the 100 per cent transition to university was not tainted by a ‘C’ grade. Chief Principal Josephat Otsieno, who joined the school in 2018, could not hide his joy. He has been on an upward trajectory since he joined in 2018 when the school recorded a mean

discipline that has perpetually put students on toes. The prefects keep the teachers and administration posted on matters that require their attention.

To monitor student behavior outside school, teachers have formed a ‘flying squad’ that goes out of its way to ensure discipline even beyond school days.

"Being an integrated school we have special and balanced diets, which motivate learners," added the principal, saying they have established a kitty to purchase necessities for needy students.

For external partnerships, the principal is in constant talks with national schools for exchange programmes in both testing and marking.

They also have Maths and Chemistry ‘for lunch’ tests done during lunch breaks, as well as ‘early riser revision’ at 5.45AM, which are guided revisions by teachers.

The school has formed an apex welfare association that takes care of expenditures associated with loss of loved ones.

Teaching is monitored by the principal with the assistance of the deputies with intentions of cutting the tail in all subjects.

As a reminder for all, goals and banners with inspiring messages are placed in strategic positions around the compound lest someone forgets their reason for being in the school.

With a student population of

point of 5.4, rising to 6.1 in 2019 and 6.3 in 2020. Last year, they scored 7.4 to set the ground for top score in 2022.

Yet he does not take all the credit. The generous principal extended his gratitude to the community, teachers and the Board of Management (BoM) for their relentless pursuit of success that has kept the school on the improvement path.

The Kiswahili and History teacher leads by example. He taught the 2022 class History and scored a whopping mean of 10.98.

This year's mean target is 10.0 by a class of 330 candidates. He says they will still employ the same tactics they have been using to make the progress they have recorded since 2018.

An example is administering internal exams and testing set according to Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) standards, moderated by senior teachers in the various departments, and approved by the principal himself before being given to students.

The school has employed the ‘bloom taxonomy’ approach, where a panel sets quality papers and tests for all classes and done on the opening day.

“Candidates do a lot in a day. They sit tests every evening inclusive of practicals stretching to Sundays," confided Otsieno.

Both teachers and students are highly motivated through attractive

packages and tokens every time results are released. There is also a day set aside for ‘goat biting’ where the annual best overall class is honoured.

During this fete, teachers who get a mean A plain are appreciated apart from the students themselves, as the entire teaching and non-teaching staff are taken out for retreat and bonding in Mombasa using SGR every end year. Rewards are also given to best performers who meet the target of Band above.

Team work and commitment to excellence lay a firm foundation for performance, as is the excellent

1600, there are 32 TSC teachers and 21 on BoM terms. It is registered as a 7-stream institution and admits average students who are transformed through tailored programmes to produce good grades. There are two deputy principals namely: Alfred Chepkwony for administration and Anthony Siele for academics.

Teaching staff led by Principal Josephat Otsieno on the left

Anthony Siele, Deputy Principal Academics

Alfred Chepkwony, Deputy Principal Administration

Administration Block

A candidates class in session

Chief Principal Josephat Otsieno in his office

They administer internal exams and testing set according to Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) standards, moderated by senior teachers in the various departments, and approved by the principal himself before being given to students.

Her story sheds light on how a village girl from one of the most marginalized regions in the country worked hard to pursue education

By David Kipkorir

Born in a marginalized community in West Pokot, Kathleen Jemimah Chepkemoi is a perfect example of how determination, hard work and a positive attitude towards life can make one achieve even the impossible.

Jemimah graduated with double masters in Masters in Law and MBA in Procurement and Supply Chain Management during the University of Nairobi’s 68th graduation ceremony.

A dual degree, also referred to as a double degree, is an academic offering that allows one to study two related or complementary disciplines at the same time, either in the same or different universities.

Speaking during this interview at her home in Syokimau, Jemimah narrates that she grew up in an isolated and poor place under the care of her grandparents in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County.

She says her childhood was full of love and happiness and that when her mother remarried in Nandi, she went to stay with them and started school

By Vostine Ratemo

Hillary Nyamweya Nyabaro, a teacher at St. Stephens Nyamware Secondary School, is a celebrated hero in his home village of Nyamache in Kisii South Sub-county of Kisii County.

Through an initiative he single-handedly started back in 2015, he has given hope to learners who were dropping out of school for different reasons.

First he offered free tuition to primary and secondary school children during school holidays, and then started a football team. This was after he realized they were engaging in crime, perhaps to fend for themselves and put food on the table.

Education News wanted to find out why he decided to start Nyamweya Foundation, the platform on which the two preoccupations were hinged.

“I grew up in a humble background and I have seen the benefits of education, so I felt there was need to create an avenue that can help eradicate poverty through knowledge,” he said.

Being only the second person from his village to ever go to university, he yearned for a time they would match other villages where going to university is a normal occurrence.

“Majority of parents in this village are illiterate and they know little of matters education. I personally

How poor village girl climbed academic ladder to earn double masters

at Kapchemosin Primary School. Like any other child, Jemima went to school barefoot and carried cow dung to school every Friday for smearing classrooms.

“I wanted to join Kenya High School or Alliance Girls, but my parents would hear none of it since the schools were far and expensive,” she said, adding that she ended up settling for Moi Girls High School Eldoret, which was near and affordable.

She was among the top students from the area and was admitted to Moi Girls Eldoret.

“I reported to school without most of the basics needed. My parents negotiated for my school fees to be paid in installments,” narrates Jemimah.

After her high school studies, she enrolled at Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) for a course in Statistics. She thereafter worked as a casual employee for three months at the Kenya Seed Company in Kitale.

After searching for a job for about three years, Jemimah enrolled for Master of Business Administration (MBA) to raise her chances of being employed. However, due to finances, she couldn’t continue her studies after one semester.

“While working on internship with East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC), my boss noticed that I had a good grasp of figures and basic computer trainings. As a result of that, I was employed on a fixed term of one year,” she said

She added that through sheer hard work, determination and occasionally putting in some extra hours, the EAPCC management was impressed with

her work and gave her permanent employment. She then decided to continue her MBA programme.

She noted that at EAPCC, she helped formulate measures of monitoring, distribution performance and collating key data in the cement industry, which was useful for the company to expand its market territories.

“The job became too demanding that I had to shelve my MBA programme,” she said, adding that when she started going to the field for company engagements, she enrolled for a law degree at JKUAT.

“I had always dreamt of being a lawyer to address the many injustices being witnessed in the society,” she revealed, adding that her spouse supported the noble journey.

She managed to perform well and was twice awarded Vice Chancellor’s Award.

Jemimah reveals that while in fourth year, she lost her son and her entire world came to a standstill. The company she was working for was also getting serious restructuring and that phase was the hardest in her life.

After almost giving up on everything, she pulled through when she was brought back to EAPCC as a Customer Care Manager.

She managed to do the remaining undergraduate law exams.

“Immediately after I graduated with the Bachelors of Law (LLB), I decided to pursue Masters of Law (LLM) since I needed to heal from the harrowing experiences I had un-

Teacher who is sacrificing everything to mentor youth

he added.

All these teachers have never asked for any compensation.

So far more than 30 children have been mentored since the initiative began, majority of them being natives of Nyamache and some from other surrounding villages.

Nyamache All Stars, as the soccer club is called, was built during the Covid-19 to keep the children off drugs and crime, Bildad Moindi being the captain.

“Refreshing the mind is also good for learners. Even in schools co-curricular activities are encouraged and that’s what we are trying to do here,” he said.

luck from borrowing kits for tournaments.

Moreover, the children are young adolescents who sometimes forget the main objective of the establishment of the foundation.

At times, too, the learners miss lessons because their parents need them in the farms to help them do some of the activities like harvesting.

Nonetheless, with all the challenges , the initiative has borne fruit

dergone but first I had to deal with the MBA which I knew I had to complete,” said Jemimah.

She wrote to the University of Nairobi requesting to be given more time to complete the MBA and her wish was granted, though under strict deadlines.

“I was able to do two Masters programmes concurrently as a result of three things; One, I had left Company employment and was being mentored in a law firm, the second was the Covid-19 pandemic facilitated a digital learning platform that allowed me to enroll for LLM at the UoN and the third was the greatest support I got from my family. My family has always been my number one fan,” she extols.

When asked how it was doing the dual degrees, she said: “There is no royal flower strewn path to success. If there is, I have not found it yet since whatever I have attained academically has been the result of hard work and many sleepless nights.”

As she ponders her next step in the academic ladder, Jemimah encourages students to pursue their interests and continue with their education.

“Education propels the youth in the right, proper and straight direction,” she advises.

She concludes that her story is for those facing a myriad of challenges. She wants to encourage them that despite odds, anything is possible with hard work, dedication and a support system that provides counseling, mentoring and networking.

as more than five learners have joined university, among them Eugine Moindi (first year University of Embu), Victor Nyabaro ( first year Presbyterian University), Bildad Moindi (first year Presbyterian University) and Selina Martin (Second Year Maseno University).

Moses Mochama is yet to join university, and more than 15 learners are the star soccer players in their schools.

“I am looking forward to bringing in more members who will be willing to support the initiative. I also look for motivational speakers and those that can help in guiding and counselling to ensure that they grow psychologically,” Nyamweya concluded.

went from house to house to convince parents to allow their children to come to me so that I could nurture them,” Nyamweya said.

After the parents obliged, he went on to move his own furniture to create room for lessons to begin.

“I started off with 10 learners from primary school who were handled by Sarah Nyabaro, Pauline Rhobi, and Adriano Moindi, all trained teachers. I had 10 secondary school students too and were taught by Jenes Masea, Pauline Rhobi and myself,”

However, he points out that managing the activities has not been easy as he has faced a number of challenges, top among them being inadequate space that has forced them to teach under trees. In addition, they have had to dig into their pockets to buy the required learning resources.

Football space is also limited, forcing him to hire pitches as the one they initially used was ploughed by the owner for crop cultivation. Besides, they sometimes have to play without jerseys when they run out of

Rainbow colours: Nyamache All Stars have no uniform they can identify with.

Hillary Nyamweya Nyabaro

Kathleen during her graduation.

Sivilie Secondary School produces best student in Sub-County

compulsory subjects.

The principal revealed that they have created more time for revision and consultation since they aim for the school to compete against other academic giants and be ranked among the best schools nationwide.

“The students are disciplined; they report to school early and leave late. The girls are as competitive as their male counterparts and this pushes them to do better,” he explained.

Wandera lauded the community for their everlasting support. He also thanked the alumni for always supporting projects and called upon more well-wishers to support the school.

By Leonard Angatia

Sivilie Secondary School has established itself as a household name over the years owing to its excellent performance in national exams annually.

In 2022 KCSE, the school posted a mean of 6.2669 up from 5.7594 in the 2021 KCSE.

It also produced the best student in the sub-county, William Wanjala Wafula, who scored A- .

Speaking to Education News in his office, the principal Isaac Mpalwe Wandera noted that the good performance saw the school ranked second in Navakholo sub-county.

“Out of the 254 registered candidates, 98 qualified for direct university admission,” he said.

He hailed last year’s class for the good performance and thanked the committed teachers who go beyond their means to ensure the students achieve the best.

“The teachers are even more committed to ensure the school writes an excellence name on the

map of Kenya,” he added, revealing further that they have set a target of 7.5 in this year’s exams with a lot of emphasis put on practicals and

“Most guardians are from humble backgrounds, forcing the school to sponsor many students. We appeal for help in ensuring all students access quality education,” he beseeched.

The mixed day and boarding county school is found in Navakholo sub-county. The 7-stream school has a student population of 1360. It has 19 TSC teachers and 33 employed by the BoM.

The principal appealed to TSC to post more teachers to the school to help it improve performance.

Teaching fraternity

Isaac Mpalwe Wandera, Principal

Andrew Ndombi, Deputy Principal

Students in a study room

They have created more time for revision and consultation since they aim for the school to compete against other academic giants and be ranked among the best schools nationwide.

Stakeholders blame high drop out rates on alcohol, drug abuse

By Cally Imbayi

Residents and opinion leaders in Isukha South Ward, Shinyalu Constituency in Kakamega County have attributed rampant school dropout and poor performance to the high intake of drugs and alcohol and bodaboda transport business in the area.

Speaking during the Shinyalu NG-CDF public participation organized by Shinyalu Member of Parliament (MP) Fred Ikana, the leaders called on security agencies to be vigilant and to crack the whip on drug and alcohol vendors to save the young generation.

They reiterated that the current generation is headed for destruction if the government does not fight drug and alcohol abuse.

“Children as young as those in grades three and four are consuming drugs,” said Elphas Muhambe, a retired teacher and education director.

He went on to add that most learners also drop out of school to engage in the bodaboda busi-

By Erick Nyayiera

ness to get money. “The government needs to put an age limit to those who want to engage in the bodaboda business. Children should finish school first before deciding whether or not they want to do it,” he said.

Deociana Ahindukha, a former principal and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) di-

Bondo Township Secondary School is the pride of town after posting exemplary results in the 2022 KCSE results to send 62 students to university, an achievement that sets a record as it has never been there since its establishment.

Principal Benson Moses Okoth’s stewardship has put the school on the map of schools registering sustained improvement over the years.

“The results of the 2022 KCSE are a testimony to our determination to scale higher heights. We had a mean target of 5.6 but we managed 5.545, which is commendable. Our top student Benjamin Mito got A- (75 points) though we had hoped for an A,” stated Okoth.

He thanked his dedicated teaching staff, whom he noted have always given their all to help the learners get to the point they have reached. The teachers have also worked tirelessly in ensuring the management of the students’ discipline in the tough mixed day school environment is top notch.

The school had; A- (1), B+ (2), B (14), B- (19), C+ (26), C (18), C- (55), D+ (64) and 10 D.

“Compared to 2021 KCSE, we

Make education cheaper for parents, KNUT urges government

By Cally Imbayi

rector, noted with concern that insecurity had increased due to school dropouts in the area and appealed to parents to ensure their children go to school and receive the requisite education to help build their future.

She stated that the current education system requires the full involvement of parents, who should not surrender their duties to teachers.

“Poor performance by students should not be blamed on teachers alone but also on parents who should be part of the education development of their children,” she said.

Ikana said he will prioritize education in the constituency and ensure that children get the required education to make them competitive in the job markets.

“We want to ensure that all children go to school and we will support this by issuing bursaries and scholarships to those in need. I will also liaise with TSC to have more teachers hired in our schools in order to balance the ratio of teachers to learners.” The legislator said.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the government to reduce the cost of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Secretary General (SG) Collins Oyuu underscored the need to make education affordable.

“As schools open, the government must ensure education is affordable and accessible,” he appealed. He was speaking at Kakamega High School recently, where he lauded the formation of the education taskforce as constituted by President William Ruto to look into how best CBC can be run in this country. He said it has given direction in the education sector.

Oyuu added that KNUT had conducted a research on the placement of Junior Secondary School (JSS), which revealed that primary schools were best suited to

handle them.

“The presidential working party has given us direction unlike in the beginning when there was confusion,” he said.

He also agreed that JSS students should wear a different uniform from the one worn by the primary school children, but held that they should be affordable.

“We appeal to MPs to also do proper mobilization

to identify the very needy learners and be assisted to get the uniforms,” he stated

On placement of form one students, Oyuu held that no single child should fail to get to secondary school, saying education was very important and the government’s 100 per cent transition should be embraced by all stakeholders.

Bondo Township Secondary sends 62 to varsity to set record

certificate courses,” he observed.

The principal said that their secret had been identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates, and classifying them according to their abilities. In effect, the teachers are able to move with the pace of the learners.

The methodology has been cascaded to even the lower classes so that that those with slightly higher entry marks are grouped for proper management.

have improved in all categories. We registered improvement on the upper bracket, which is the direct university entry, from 21 students in 2021 to 62. Moreover we have over 83 students with C- and above who are eligible to join Diploma courses in medical and teacher training colleges, TVETs and the rest for

“Bondo Township absorbs everyone, including those who score 120 marks in KCPE. At some point we have to identify those with equal potential in term three of form four to sharpen them. There is none that joined our school with 300 marks and failed to qualify for university because of the special attention we give,” he stated.

In their pursuit for quality teaching, the school strives to accommodate candidates, especially those who come from distant homes. Arrangements are put in place to fix boarding for them so that they are able to study in school even at night; with a 24-hour vigilance and assistance from teachers.

The school is situated in a setting where lucrative economic activities like gold mining, boda boda and construction, among other ventures, take

place. Most of the students engage in these trades and miss classes, prompting the school to track them when they realize cases of absenteeism. Girls too often fall prey to moral licentiousness, resulting in early pregnancy and drop out cases.

“We have the approval of the Board to adopt the use of bio-metric services at the gate to ensure we are able to know the students who come to school every morning. We have also made it our culture for class teachers to take roll calls so that we can call their parents

immediately we realize they are absent. This has helped us pull them back to school from the gold mining sites and the boda boda stages,” the principal pointed out.

The principal appreciated the Ministry of Education (MoE), Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Parents Association (PA) and the office of the Bondo MP Dr. Gideon Ochanda for their infrastructural, personnel and financial support.

“There is a big challenge of fees payment in the school. This is because we have lots of learners from poor families. The MP intervened with bursaries from the NG-CDF, but even then the candidates left with arrears of over Ksh 2.6 million,” he disclosed.

Higher Education PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala in Kakamega.

KNUT SG Collins Oyuu addressing the press after presiding over Western region consultative meeting at Kakamega High School recently. Photo/Cally Imbai

Benjamin Mito, top candidate with A- Charles Elly Okoth, B+

Benson Moses Okoth, Principal

Administration Block

Khasoko High sets higher targets after splendid 2022 performance

By Leonard Angatia

Khasoko High School has set a new target of 8.0 for this year’s candidates, buoyed by the outstanding performance in the 2022 KCSE where they attained an impressionable mean point of 7.5794.

Out of the 214 candidates last year, 187 will join the university having attained the minimum C+ mean grade.

Performance has been on the growth path since the current principal joined and they are happy to be in a serene environment way off the busy highways and urban settings, allowing them the privilege of quiet serenity and fulfilling ambience.

Senior principal Daniel Wasambo, who joined in 2019 from Usenge Boys, is a happy administrator. The gradual rise, from 5.26 in 2020, then 6.026 in 2021, and eventually 7.57 in 2022, attests to this fact, and is a reflection of adequate preparation through timely syllabus coverage and functional revision.

With elaborate weekend Science practicals and a committed, young and energetic teaching staff who work under minimal supervision, the school is headed in the right direction to do even better.

Wasambo said national examiners are invited to take candidates through KCSE approaches, as well as motivational speakers especially in third term to inspire confidence in them.

In addition, teachers are motivated with tokens pegged on the good grades they get. Ksh1000

is given for every A plain, Ksh800 for A- and Ksh500 for B+ irrespective of the subject after the weekly release of exam results.

"We organize weekend science practicals from August to October after syllabus completion," narrated the principal, adding; "We procure revision question papers from top performing schools and ensure that all subjects are marked by KNEC examiners."

Besides, there are departmental revision strategies and topical testing. Students are supervised to summarize and make reminder notes. The school also sponsors dramatized versions

of Kiswahili and English set books to enhance literary appreciation and boost their score in languages. Internal contests are staged to further motivate learners.

The school is position 6 in Bungoma county and among the top

fifteen in Western region.

Located in Bungoma County, the academic powerhouse has 997 students nurtured by 45 teachers, 27 of whom are TSC employees while 18 are on Board of Management (BoM) terms. It is a 5-stream extra county school.

School buses

One of the tuition blocks

Daniel

O Wasambo, Senior Principal

We procure revision question papers from top performing schools and ensure that all subjects are marked by KNEC examiners.

Several Migori schools elevated to county status, pledge improvement

By Norah Musega

Learning outcomes in Migori County are expected to improve significantly following the elevation of twelve sub-county schools to county status.

The elevation will enable the schools admit students from within the county unlike before when they could only look around the subcounty.

Consequently, the schools will be allowed to admit students with higher marks and this will increase competition amongst learners, hence improved results.

County Director of Education Jacob Onyiego told Education News that several schools had made requests to be elevated but only twelve met the minimum threshold as required by the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Among the requirements include

SPECIAL FEATURE

a steady school mean score of 4.5 and above, and availability of boarding facilities. In addition,

the community’s support for the elevation was also factored in.

"The involvement of the

Orphaned boy, 24, appeals for help to join high school

By Erick Nyayiera

24-year old Brian

Ndede Owino is passionate about continuing his education and becoming successful even though life has been nothing but unkind to him.

Whereas most of his agemates are either in campus or employment, Owino is silently nursing hopes that his dream of continuing his secondary education and later pursuing Civil Engineering will come to pass.

Owino, who hails from West Uyoma location in Siaya County, became an orphan when in nursery school.

Together with his siblings, he had to stay with his maternal grandmother in East Asembo. The grandmother struggled to take care of them.

He attended Wera Primary School in East Asembo, sat his first KCPE exams in 2013 and scored 293 out of 500 marks.

He got selected to join Raliew Secondary School, a sub-county school in Rarieda, but could not do so due to the financial constraints at home.

“A well-wisher offered to pay for my secondary education fees at Wera Secondary School. He was also kind enough to buy me books and uniforms.

However, when I got to form 3 in 2016, he passed away and left me helpless and depressed,” he sadly recounts.

He narrates that he decided to learn juakali skills to help his siblings and the grandmother.

“I visited a relative in Nyeri town who was a juakali artisan. He taught me panel beating for two years. When I started making money, I would send some home. However, deep within me I was not satisfied because I knew I had a dream for a better life which was only possible through education. I’ve

always wanted to be a Civil Engineer and help my family out of poverty,” Owino stated.

He reveals that last year, he went back to his late father’s village in West Uyoma location and narrated his ordeal to the local provincial administration who linked him with the headmaster of Ogango Primary School. The headmaster listened to his story and admitted him to school despite the fact that first term was almost over.

“I literally didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t have any books yet I had to start revising work from classes 4-7 and also study class 8 work. Luckily my efforts paid off and though I hoped to score 400 marks and above, I thank God I managed to score 362 which will enable me join Maranda; my dream school,” he recounted.

His biggest puzzle is how he will get support to realize his dream. He made a passionate appeal to Rarieda MP Dr. Otiende Amollo, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other well- wishers to help him.

Raphael Odumo, the village elder who has supported Owino’s education, is confident the boy has the zeal to become a great person if he gets the right support.

County Education Board which conducted the assessment ensured all government guidelines were adhered to," he noted.

Among the schools accorded new status are St. Celestino Nyangibo Girls, Masara Mixed, Migori Township and Sagero Mixed secondary schools in Suna West Subcounty.

Gokeharaka, Kebaroti Mixed and Taranganya Girls’ of Kuria West Sub-county, and Taragai Mixed and Wangirabose Secondary of Ntimaru Sub-county were also elevated.

Others include St. Mary's Winjo in Nyatike Sub-county and St. Juliane Ugari and St. Michael Nyarongi Mixed secondary schools of Migori Sub-county.

Onyiego nevertheless challenged stakeholders and learners to work hard and outshine their status.

"School Heads and other stakeholders should see to it that they improve the infrastructure in order to improve the performance of learners,” he advised.

St. Celestino Nyangubo Girls

Principal Hellen Ndere applauded

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the move as it will enable learners understand and appreciate different cultures as the school will now be admitting learners from across the cosmopolitan county.

"Now they will be able to understand the different cultures of different communities as they will interact during their studies and stay in the school,” he said

She stated that the elevation will promote unity among them in the spirit of national unity and cohesion.

Suna West MP Hon. Peter Masara challenged education stakeholders to work together to upgrade standards of education within their locality to set good foundations for their children.

"The elevation is as a result of the hard work by teachers and the support and encouragement I accorded them as the area MP through infrastructural development and bursaries. This paved the way for more development and growth in the education sector within our region," said Masara.

He said that the elevation is an indication of the huge potential the schools have, promising to support more schools in his efforts to promote quality education.

High Destiny Academy posts sterling KCPE results

Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams in Kakamega county.

This is after its top candidate, Wilphil Atila, garnered 418 marks.

Atila wants to become a doctor and is committed to achieve the dream.

The young and vibrant academy had 18 candidates who sat for the national examinations and attained a mean score of 346.67, an improvement from 343 in 2021.

By Leonard Angatia

High Destiny Academy has etched its name among the top performers of the 2022 Kenya

The school Director Lydia Namale said that they always work extra hard and thanked parents for their support in ensuring that pupils settle well in school.

“We go for unique aspects in education which distinguish us from others and I assure parents and learners that this is only the beginning of our

success,” she said.

She said that teachers’ dedication to identify weak areas among pupils has helped to build teacher - learner contact.

Head teacher Fred Sanya said that they hold regular with both teachers and pupils which has been effective.

He disclosed that they are on the path to compete nationally.

The day and boarding

primary school, located at Eshisiru center in Lurambi constituency, was started in 2011 and hosts 457 pupils guided by 18 teachers accredited by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

A section of St. Celestino Nyangubo Girls School in Migori. A number of schools have been promoted to county status.

Brian Owino Ndede who scored 362 marks at Ogango Primary School in Rarieda Sub-county.

Wilphil Atila, top candidate with 418 marks

Director, Lydia Namale

2023 KCPE candidates pose for a photo with their teachers

By Leonard Angatia

Friends School Namirama

Girls recorded a positive improvement index in the 2022 KCSE, pointing to better things to come as they raised their mean score by more than a round figure to reach an impressive 5.865 up from 4.63 in the 2021 exam.

The difference, an emphatic 1.2311, is one of the rare gems ever witnessed by the school at the KCSE level since it was started by Quaker ladies. Education pundits maintain that to improve by one point is a gigantic feat, taking a lot of input that often times requires more than doubling the efforts on all fronts.

A county school located in Navakholo Sub-county of Kakamega County, the old institution established in the 1970s will have 30 students joining public universities from the 2022 exam - the highest number ever. Overall, it has 630 students guided by 13 TSC teachers and 8 employed on Board of Management (BoM) terms.

The school emerged third best in the sub-county and the top girls school in the constituency.

Senior Principal Elizabeth Simiyu has put in place new strategies that include 100 per cent attendance of lessons. This is in addition to an enhanced teacher-student contact time that allows academic programmes to run from 5AM to 9PM.

With this intensified interaction,

FOCUS ON TOP SCHOOLS

Namirama Girls steps into the limelight with round figure improvement

nose for change, the school has a new image as walls have been painted and ceilings fixed.

Her golden heart has guided her to sponsor some needy and bright students, sometimes even sending bus fare to those unable to travel back to school after holiday breaks.

Mr Francis Wanyungu, the academic mentor, together with his assistant Mr Mibei assist in the transformation of the academic progress and ensuring that all academic programmes run as stipulated to ensure there is success in every year.

there is a lot of counseling and private sharing that has identified some areas for concern.

"Discipline is on a high level among students, which has reduced pregnancy rates that used to be common occurrences," said the principal, adding; “we have a spirited teamwork and no one owns a class. My deputy Christine Masinde is the pivotal administration coordinator and discipline maestro," she added.

The school embraces partnerships with big schools, and national examiners are frequently invited especially in term 3 to coach students and give them crucial exam tips. They also get revision past papers from

reliable sources, which help candidates to internalize content and familiarize themselves with the structure of the national tests.

Both teachers and students are highly motivated. Teachers are offered morning tea, normal breakfast, lunch and dinner to ease off time for preparation for the extra tuition.

"I work closely with the BoM especially the chairman Oscar Waswa. I introduced corporate colours so that

we remain role models to students," a beaming Simiyu said.

The school is destined for greater achievements and their focus is on a mean of 7.0, even though the entry behaviour of majority of the students is below average.

Before Simiyu came, the infrastructure was utterly dilapidated, reflecting oddly its about half a century existence. But thanks to diligence and

Teachers and Senior Principal Elizabeth Simuyu (seated right) alongside her deputy Christine Masinde

Francis Wanyungu, academic mentor

Elizabeth Simiyu, Senior Principal

We have a spirited teamwork and no one owns a class. My deputy Christine Masinde is the pivotal administration coordinator and discipline maestro.

Christine Masinde, Deputy Principal

Some of the candidates pose for a group photo with the school administration

By Roy Hezron

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) wants to formalise the engagement of its members with Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).

KNEC engages teachers as invigilators, supervisors and examiners during national examinations.

According to KUPPET National Chairman Hon. Omboko Milemba, the recognition agreement will shield its members from unfair employment terms and poor working conditions.

According to Milemba, who is also Emuhaya MP, part of its resolutions this year is the push for a recognition agreement.

KNEC, he stated, remains a heartbreak for its members who are engaged during the exercise and they will not watch as their members suffer.

“Worse still, KNEC always instructs our employer TSC to discipline our members without any further reference while it pays our teachers peanuts, which are also delayed,” regretted Milemba.

He warned that they will mobilise their members to stop offering their services if the terms are not improved.

Teachers marking CRE Paper 1 (313/1) in the 2022 KCSE at St. Francis Mang’u Girls High School downed their tools over poor remuneration and working conditions. Some of the teachers claimed they were being intimidated.

Teachers who spoke to Education News on condition of anonymity fearing victimization cited the use of abusive language by their leaders, opaqueness in promotion of team leaders, lack of regional balancing, and authoritarianism by the chief examiner.

Besides, they worked for long hours with no overtime, sleeping four or fewer hours as they started their day at 5AM and retired to bed after 10PM.

They also claimed to be receiving significantly lower payments (Ksh55) as compared to their colleagues marking Kiswahili papers, who get Ksh78 per paper.

However, KNEC maintained that

By Michael Oduor

100 bright but needy students from Taita Taveta have received Ksh15 million worth of scholarship to enable them pursue their secondary school education.

The scholarship will not only cater for their fees but also uniforms and stationery.

While issuing the scholarship at the county headquarters in Mwatate, Governor Andrew Mwadime noted that the beneficiaries were selected after a rigorous vetting exercise to ensure only the needy benefit.

He reiterated the importance of education and stated that he is keen to ensure the county’s education standards are uplifted through such programmes.

He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and work hard for future prosperity.

KUPPET to push KNEC for better marking terms

Kilifi County government sets aside

Ksh350M for bursaries

By Tsozungu Kombe

Kilifi County Government has set a side Ksh350 million as bursaries to enable bright but needy secondary school, college and university students in the region to continue with their education.

Speaking to Education News in her office in Kilifi town recently, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education Clara Chonga said the county government will disburse Ksh175M in the first phase and urged parents and students to apply.

She noted that the sponsorships will enhance the education levels in the county and that no bright child should stay at home due to lack of school fees.

the marking exercise went on smoothly in all the 35 centres with an exception of one.

It said some examiners who were marking CRE Paper I attempted to disrupt the exercise over the ‘‘strict’’ marking regime imposed by the centre’s chief examiner.

In a press statement issued on January 10, 2023, Council’s chairman Prof. Julius Nyabundi said that upon consultations, the Council agreed to replace the chief examiner as a compromise to ensure a smooth progress of the marking exercise.

“Unfortunately, despite responding to their initial demand, a few of the examiners yet again came up with a fresh call that the marking fee be revised upwards. Since the issue of the examiner’s marking fee is an individual contract, and agreed to before reporting to a centre, the Council found it impossible to find an extra budget to revise the rates midway,” said Prof. Nyabundi

He said the Council allowed those who wished to step down to do so peacefully and invited trained examiners from

its database to ensure the smooth progress of the exercise.

Solidarity

Union Secretary General Akelo Misori stated that KNEC must urgently resolve examiners’ grievances, saying that KUPPET is disturbed by the Council’s festering failure to treat them with respect.

Misori regretted that strikes have become a trend during every national examination as examiners resort to protests before their grievances are addressed.

“Rather than address these long-festering challenges, KNEC has doubled down on the malpractices. This year, the Council is running an authoritarian work schedule where examiners work from 4AM to 10PM,” he said.

The Union demands that the Council raises the pay for marking KCSE scripts to a minimum of Ksh100 per paper.

KUPPET Samburu Executive Secretary William Lengoyiap said that KNEC always meets their targets and

deadlines, and TSC should ensure a good working environment for teachers in and out of class.

“There should be a clear roadmap immediately from exams administration, marking and other activities after marking. Teachers should not be used as cheap labour in any one activity,” said Lengoyiap.

His Vihiga counterpart Sabala Inyeni regretted how KNEC can be allowed to abuse their members in the full glare of the government and their employer.

“Given the poor pay and working conditions, the quality of the results from this exercise has greatly been compromised,” he said.

KUPPET Busia Executive Secretary Moffats Okisai urged the national examination body to review its terms of service and further improve its fare reimbursements to teachers who have to travel for the marking exercise.

“Marking takes place during festive seasons and fares are automatically inflated and examiners must be airlifted,” he remarked.

their families, county and the country at large.

“I would like to advise parents and guardians of the beneficiaries to keep working hard to provide their children’s necessities,” she urged.

Health County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Gifton Mkaya, who spoke on behalf of Education, Libraries and VTCs CECM Gloria Monikombo, said the scholarships are key to providing a level playing field for bright students from underprivileged families.

Taita Taveta County Funds Board acting CEO Lawrence Mwakio appealed to school heads to retain the sponsored students in schools, especially when there is delayed funding from the exchequer.

“Many parents haven’t applied for bursaries yet they are duty bound to care for their children,” she observed.

She assured residents that the county government fully supports the government’s 100 per cent transition policy and asked parents to diligently do the same.

“The county’s rapid development entirely depends on educated people who will be charged with the responsibility of designing, planning and implementing community development projects,” she advised, further warning that those who refuse to take their children to school will be arrested and charged.

She urged education stakeholders in the region to work as a team and ensure all girls who had dropped out of school either due to early pregnancies or marriages go back to school.

TSC hires 108 new teachers for Kitui County

By Boniface Mulu

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kitui branch Executive Secretary Simon Mutunga Nding’o has disclosed that the county was allocated 108 slots in the current recruitment of 30,000 teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

From the number, 85 are intern teachers while 23 are employed on permanent and pensionable terms.

KNUT Kitui branch chairman Samuel Kathinuku thanked the government for employing more teachers, but noted that the number was not enough.

He thanked all the teachers in the county for the good performance in the 2022 national exams.

Kathinuku also lauded the government’s move to domicile JSS in primary school.

Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo challenged the beneficiaries to shun negative vices which may interfere with their studies. She noted that there are a number of students who would have loved such opportunities but weren’t chosen, hence they should use the opportunity to change

Taita Taveta County Deputy Speaker Anselm Mwadime warned the students that they risked being discontinued from the sponsorship programme if they perform poorly.

Kitui County Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Development Deputy Director Francis Mutuku asked primary school heads to ensure the new education system, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), succeeds.

band guitarist to CS: The real Magoha you didn’t know

KUPPET National Chairman and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori

KUPPET Samburu Executive Secretary William Lengoyiap

KUPPET Busia Executive Secretary Okisai Moffats

KUPPET Vihiga Executive Secretary Sabala Inyeni

Beneficiaries of the scholarship commemorate the good gesture with a photo infront of the governor’s office.

Taita Taveta:100 bright needy students get Ksh15M scholarship