The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
The government has emphasized that learning in senior schools will proceed uninterrupted, as only 0.8 percent of the institutions are affected by the wave of unrest.
Education Principal Secretary Dr Julius Bitok said there were no plans for an unscheduled closure of schools for half term break.
“Learning is continuing normally in 99 percent of our schools, while only around 0.8 percent have experienced challenges,”said Bitok, adding that the second-term midterm break is scheduled for between June 24 to June 28.
The PS spoke at Pioneer school in Murang’a, during the grade 10 academic clinic, where he was the chief guest, he reiterated that there was no possibility of an early second-term midterm break unless reports of unrest occurred.
He was accompanied by Dr Peter Munga who owns the school.
He spoke as several schools have been closed indefinitely during in the last two weeks following incidents of unrest, and deaths of 16 students at Utumishi Girls in Gilgil, Nakuru county after they dormitory went up in flames
“The data reflects that approximately less than one percent of schools have experienced unrest, thus no justification for altering the official academic calendar,” he said.
He called on the principals to adopt a more flexible approach when addressing students’ concerns, as he acknowledged that examination-related pressure had emerged as one of the factors contributing to tensions in some schools.
“ If learners express anxiety or indicate they are not ready, there is no point in forcing them. It is better to postpone the examination to save an institution from being burned,” warned the PS.
He disclosed that NEMIS is being replaced with KEMIS that is expected to consolidate data from all levels of learning, from Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) to university, into a single integrated platform.
KEMIS roll out is expected next month July, aimed at streamlining data and driving efficiency in the education sector.
“The system will also include a mobile application, providing parents and stakeholders with real-time access to student and school data,” he said adding that it will improve transparency, guide accurate allocation of resources, and curb malpractices such as manipulation of capitation through ghost schools or inflated enrolments.
