KNUT Asks for Schools’ Funding Before Classes Start

KNUT Asks for Schools’ Funding Before Classes Start

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is asking the Ministry of Education to provide funding to schools as students prepare to return to class next week, starting Monday, April 28.

On Sunday, April 27, the union’s Secretary General, Hesbon Otieno, said that getting this funding will help with the changes happening in the second term.

He explained that in the second term, Grade 9 students will choose their paths for senior secondary school, so it’s important to have enough money for a smooth transition.

He urged the government to release the funding and any leftover money from the first term before school starts, rather than waiting until later in the term.

“It’s important for the ministry to give the 30 percent funding expected for the second term on time, before schools open. If there’s any leftover money from the first term, that should also be provided so that schools can start fresh and handle the transition well,” he said.

He noted that students will soon be selecting the paths they want to follow in Grade 10. Schools need to be ready to support this process to avoid delays and frustrations for school leaders.

Current Grade 9 students will be the first to follow the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) program, where they will specialize in different areas starting in Grade 10.

Under the new curriculum, students can choose from three paths: Arts and Sports, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with each student allowed to pick up to two.

The choices will be based on students’ abilities and preferences to help them start on their desired career paths.

However, there has been some confusion, as the ministry faced criticism for saying only STEM students would need to study math, which was a required subject in the old 8-4-4 system.

Due to the backlash, the ministry changed its decision and announced that some form of math will also be included for students in the other two paths.

On Friday, April 15, the Competency-Based Curriculum was renamed Competency-Based Education (CBE) to make learning paths simpler and education more affordable and accessible for students.