Grade 9 will remain in primary schools after the Ministry of Education rejected a proposal by stakeholders to have the class moved up to secondary schools.

The announcement by the government means that the pioneer junior secondary class of the newly adopted Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) will remain in primary schools as stakeholders work to streamline the new education model.

While addressing the media on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang put an end to the uncertainty that had surrounded placement of the Grade 9 pupils as the first cohort nears its transition in 2025.

The PS further disputed concerns by a section of Kenyans that some of the junior secondary schools across the country are under-equipped to handle Grade 9.

PS Kipsang further revealed that the government has commenced on the construction of an additional 16,000 classrooms to cater for Grade 9 learners.

"We are prepared for our children to be in Grade 9 next year. We are initiating the construction of 16,000 classrooms; it will be a marathon and Kenyans are not scared of a marathon," the PS said.

The Education chief assured parents across the country that the ministry would ensure completion of the current JSS system and facilitate a smooth transition for learners into the new curriculum.

Kipsang further noted that the Ministry will come up with 12 legislations that will serve as a blueprint for the implementation and transition of learners from junior to senior schools.