Mombasa: Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has directed the Department of Education to conduct mapping across all six sub-counties to identify locations for constructing kitchens. This initiative is part of a new feeding programme aimed at primary schools, inspired by a similar programme in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). Speaking at the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) Annual General Meeting and Conference in Mombasa, the Governor expressed his firm support for head teachers and their critical role in society.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Nassir emphasized the importance of education and outlined several initiatives undertaken since he assumed office in the Port City. Education remains a priority, with one of the highest budget allocations. The existing ECDE feeding programme, which is entirely free for parents and schools, has led to an increase in learners from 8,000 to over 10,000, prompting the construction of ten new ECDE schools to accommodate the growing nu
mber of students.
The Governor highlighted the need for a smooth transition from ECDE to Primary Schools, stating that it is essential for growth. Under a county scholarship programme initiated last year, primary school boards select the top-performing two boys and two girls, with 400 students receiving full sponsorship. This initiative will continue up to the university level.
Additionally, the Nassir administration is providing Sh5000 to students in 137-day secondary schools as an annual bursary. The Governor also announced that 11,000 KCSE candidates across 114 schools will receive lunch through the Shariff Nassir Foundation to help them focus on their exams.
KEPSHA Chairman Johnson Nzioka assured head teachers that 18,000 classrooms for Grade 9 learners will be completed by December. He also confirmed that there will be a 100 per cent transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 in January. To support the Competency-Based Curriculum and address the teacher shortage, the Teachers Service Commission has been urged
to expedite the recruitment of 20,000 promised teachers.