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Tag: PS Belio Kipsang

  • Kipsang: Ban on school activities during third term remains in effect

    Kipsang: Ban on school activities during third term remains in effect

    The Ministry of Education has urged strict compliance with the ban on certain activities in schools during the third term.

    Education PS Belio Kipsang reiterated that the directive issued via circular on January 21, 2021, remains in effect.

    “Please be reminded of the directive issued on January 21, 2021, which prohibits certain activities and visits to schools during the third term,” Kipsang stated.

    “The ban on these activities is still in effect and must be strictly observed by all relevant individuals and organizations,” he added.

    The directive specifically prohibits external visits and co-curricular events that might interfere with learning in preparation for the national exams.

  • Gov’t to construct 16,000 classrooms ahead of Grade 9 transition

    Gov’t to construct 16,000 classrooms ahead of Grade 9 transition

    The Government will construct 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for the transition of learners to grade nine next year, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr Belio Kipsang has said.

    In a speech read on his behalf by the Director Projects Coordination and Delivery for Projects, Elijah Mungai at Olympics Primary School, PS Kipsang said government plans to construct 10 additional classrooms to cater for the learners who will transit to grade nine next year.

    “We welcome the World Bank to support and partner with the government to build even more classrooms in this school,” Kipsang said.

    The Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, Ms Mamta Murthi who visited the school, praised Kenya for the strong education outcomes of the children schooling stimulates.

    Murthi said Kenya the schooling system in Kenya was ably imparting in learners the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that students ought to acquire.

    She said Kenya was also doing well in the enrolment rate of children in schools, noting that education was a critical factor in determining the future of a country.

    The Deputy County Commissioner, Odidi Otieno said the government worked through its structures to ensure 100 per cent transition of learners from Primary to secondary education.

    The Headteacher of Olympics Primary School, Cyrus Okumu said that the school had developed a friendly learning environment and an excellent instructional for learners in the school.

    He attributed the huge learner population of 5108 to a supportive teaching and non-teaching staff that made learning enjoyable.

    “Children keep coming back to school because of the good learning experiences good pedagogy creates,”  Okumu said.

  • Schools directed to cease charging unauthorized levies

    Schools directed to cease charging unauthorized levies

    The Ministry of Education has warned public schools against charging parents unauthorized levies.

    In a circular issued on Friday, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang directed all schools to cease from directing parents to pay any charges outside the authorized fees guidelines for secondary schools.

    The PS noted that Primary and Junior Schools are predominantly day schools and the Ministry of Education caters for the requisite tuition requirements through Capitation.

    “For avoidance of doubt no fees will be charged by Public Primary and Junior Schools,” said Kipsang.

    The PS stated that all schools are required to fill fees declaration form, countersigned by Sub-County Directors of Education in the format provided by the Ministry.

    “Every Sub- County Director and County Director of Education will be held liable for any breach within their area of jurisdiction. All completed forms be submitted to the Ministry Headquarters by 9th February, 2024 in both hard and soft copies. Soft copies should be submitted via director secondary@education.go.ke. The sample format has been emailed to you.” Kipsang instructed

    The PS noted that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 mandates the Education Cabinet Secretary to implement free and compulsory Basic Education for all Kenya Children of school going age.

    However, the PS regretted that public schools, including primary schools, junior schools, and secondary schools, have reportedly been imposing unauthorized levies on parents, despite the Ministry having previously addressed the issue through circulars.

    “All Secondary schools must adhere and comply with authorized fees structure under Kenya Gazette Notice No. 1555 of March, 2015 payable in the spread ratio of 50% 30% and 20% in 1st term 2nd term and 3rd term respectively,” stated Kipsang.

    The Ministry further directed schools to comply with a circular dated dated 30th May, 2023 which banned schools from selling or stocking uniforms and boarding items.

    Additionally, the PS clarified that lunch programme for day secondary schools is optional and no child should be denied schooling for failure to pay the same.

    “Regional Directors, County Directors and Sub County Directors of Education should bring to the attention of the Principal Secretary any School Principal, Board of Management and Head Teachers charging unauthorized Levies.”

  • PS lauds examination management teams as week two of KCSE kicks off

    PS lauds examination management teams as week two of KCSE kicks off

    The government has put in place stringent measures to ensure the integrity of national examinations is upheld.

    Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS), Dr Belio Kipsang said so far no major incidents of malpractice have been reported since the examinations kicked off two weeks ago.

    The PS attributed this to the multi-sectoral approach adopted in administering the examinations and lauded teachers and security agencies for their spirited effort to ensure the examination is conducted smoothly.

    Speaking in Kisumu Central where he oversaw the administration of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, Dr. Kipsang called on examination centre managers, invigilators, and security personnel not to relent until all the examination tests are concluded.

    “We have had a successful run. First week went without any paper being exposed earlier than time. This will make sure that our children have an equal opportunity to showcase what they have learnt,” he said.

    He urged centre managers and invigilators to desist from any temptation to allow cheating during the examinations.

    “You have done your best as coaches. Don’t be worried because the student will do their best,” Dr. Kipsang said.

    The PS added that the Ministry of Education was on course in implementing the Presidential Working Party on Education task force recommendations.

    Proposals to have Junior Secondary domiciled in primary schools and the new funding model for higher education, he said, have already been implemented.

    The ministry, he added, was in the process of developing a Sessional paper to be tabled in Parliament to set in motion the implementation of the remaining recommendations.

    “This will bring forth a number of legislative amendments and some new laws to assist in the full implementation of the report,” he said.

    He called for collaboration by other stakeholders to address challenges facing the education sector.

    “We are partnering with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to build classrooms and science laboratories to address the current shortage,” he said.

    He challenged neighbouring schools to share available resources as measures to address the gaps continue.