Schools reopen for Second term, 2019; Prof Magoha’s directives on School fees, discipline, activities and exams
Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha has issued a stern warning to students against indulgence in indiscipline; as schools reopen for second term on Monday 29th April, 2019. The CS gave the warning when he addressed the media at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, KICD, after flagging off the distribution exercise for 12,360,000 Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) textbooks on; Sunday 28th April, 2019.
SCHOOLS TO HOLD CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS
“I have blamed parents and I will continue blaming them because I strongly belief that discipline has to start in the house,” said Prof Magoha. He directed schools to put up measures to curb the high number of students’ unrests; usually experienced in second term.
“Second Term has traditionally posed challenges of indiscipline among students. I direct all school boards of management (BOMs), parents and teachers to hold meetings at the beginning of the term to map out strategies of working to effectively to ensure there will be no student unrest in any institution. Further, education officials should work closely with the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination to ensure our schools are safe,” Directed Magoha.
WARNING ON ARBITRARY INCREASES IN SCHOOL FEES
On school levies, thd CS directed all Public Secondary Schools to adhere to the set School Fees and Levies guidelines adding that action will be taken against schools that violate the guidelines.
“I direct all school principals to comply with the government guidelines on fees. No school should charge more than what the Ministry has stipulated in the approved fees structure. Firm action will be taken against schools that introduce additional levies on parents, without approval of the Ministry of Education,” the CS warned. Prof Magoha directed all field officers to ensure the school fees guidelines are complied with to the letter.
AM MORE POWERFUL THAN BEFORE ON MATTERS NATIONAL EXAMS AND KNEC- MAGOHA
On integrity of National exams, the CS said he is still firmly in control. He warned those thinking that he has left the Kenya National Examinations Council, KNEC, (where he has been the chair prior to his appointment as Education CS) that he is now even more powerful.
“For those who think that I left the exam council, I want to make it very clear that Am even more stronger in the Council. Because I superintendent from a higher position. And I want to assure you that the examination process is ongoing very well; and, to encourage the children and their teachers to cover the syllabus,” Prof Magoha noted.
“I urge all schools to ensure proper syllabus coverage so that candidates are adequately prepared for the national examinations later this year. This will ensure students don’t have to turn to unethical ways in a bid to pass examinations. I wish to state that the tough measures meant to beat examinations cheating will be enhanced this year,” he added.
SCHOOLS’ ACTIVITIES REMAIN BANNED IN THIRD TERM
On schools activities, the CS reiterated the resolve to ban any activities in third term. “All activities including school visits, parents meetings and prayers should be concluded in Second Term”, he advised.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW CURRICULUM WELL ON COURSE
The CS was categorical that implementation of the new curriculum will go on as stipulated adding that all grade one to three learners have received new textbooks for English Language, Kiswahili Language and Mathematics Activities. This is amid dissenting Opinion from the Kenya National Union of Teachers, KNUT, who tried in vain to stop the new CBC training exercise for teachers in April, 2019.
Prof Magoha, who was accompanied by top ministry officials including Dr. Belio Kipsang (the Early Learning and Basic Education PS) launched the distribution exercise for 12,360,000 textbooks that will be delivered directly to schools and issued to pupils for immediate use in implementing the CBC. According to Magoha, the books cover 10 Learning Areas namely: Environmental Activities, Music Activities, English Literacy Activities, Kiswahili Literacy Activities, Hygiene & Nutrition Activities, Art & Craft Activities, Movement Activities, Christian Religious Education Activities, Islamic Religious Education Activities and Hindu Religious Education Activities.
The CS added that eight counties will get the books immediately with the remaining 39 set to receive theirs by mid May, this year.
“The distribution will begin in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Garissa, Kajiado, Murang’a, Nyeri and Embu. Textbooks for
all other counties will be delivered by 15th May 2019,” he added.
Schools reopen for second term on Monday 29th April, 2019; a term that will be action packed in both Curricular and Co- curricular activities.
