Top city schools to open day wings to boost Form One places
By OUMA WANZALAMore than 10 top secondary schools are set to open day wings in January.
Nairobi School, St Georges, Lenana School and Moi Girls, Nairobi, are among the 19 institutions to open day wings.
The move seeks to maximise the use of available resources and delink admission from bed capacity.
While launching Form One selection on Monday, Education CS Fred Matiang’i said the programme would gradually be rolled out in other national schools across the country.
“We are still engaging other stakeholders on how the programme will be implemented,” said Education PS Bellio Kipsang on Thursday.
PILOT PROGRAMME
Nation has learnt that several schools had been approached by the ministry to pilot the programme.
The schools are, however, concerned about the government failure to provide them with funds to put up more classrooms to accommodate day scholars.
The teachers are also worried about the safety and discipline of students who will be coming in as day scholars.
The government is hoping to build more secondary schools through the National Government Constituency Development Fund.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) secretary-general Akelo Misori criticised the decision, saying it was being driven by populist politics.
POLITICAL ANGLES
“The CS is only looking at the political angles, the major issue is access,” said Mr Misori, noting that the government should construct more day schools in Nairobi since there is space.
He said the decision to compel national schools to have day school wings would create unnecessary logistical challenges for principals.
“Running a day and boarding school is hell, keeping discipline is hard, especially with teenagers,” said the Kuppet boss.
However, education expert Andiwo Obondo welcomed the development, saying it would allow local communities to benefit from national schools.