The Schools Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) is finalising the design and mass production of science kits, targeting availability ahead of January’s senior school learner intake.
SEPU has announced the introduction of affordable kits to aid learners transitioning from Grade 9 to Grade 10, especially those in schools lacking labs due to financial constraints.
For instance, SEPU has called on the NG-CDF to assist in the continued provision of these science kits to both Junior and Senior Secondary schools across the country.
Amid the ongoing financial difficulties within the education sector, the State agency acknowledged that many schools, particularly in ASAL regions, struggle to purchase these kits.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) kits are designed to help schools without laboratories as students prepare for their transition into Senior Secondary schools next year.
Chief Executive Officer of Schools Equipment Production Unit (SEPU), Dr. Joel Mabonga, announced that science kits will be ready by November, providing schools with cost-effective alternatives to full laboratories.
He said full laboratories can cost over Sh3 million, but the science kits are availed at a reduced cost of Sh95,000, making them a viable option for many schools. However, the CEO acknowledged that some schools are struggling to purchase the kits and noted that SEPU is collaborating with NG-CDF for funding support.
“We are working with NG-CDF and Members of Parliament across the country to secure funding, ensuring schools can access these kits,” Mabonga added.
Speaking at a workshop in Naivasha, Mabonga reassured the public that the proposed capitation cuts would not impact the ongoing science kits programme.
On the other hand, Dr. Johnstone Ochuma from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) recognised the shortage of teachers in technical subjects in secondary schools.
To address this challenge, he stated that the Ministry of Education plans to retrain and retool the current teachers following revisions to the learning content in compliance with Competency Based Education.
“We have restructured the teacher education programme to include training for aviation technology, power mechanics, building construction, and metalworks,” he revealed.
Herina Okiro, a Director at SEPU, emphasised that the science kits would make science more practical and accessible, especially for schools lacking traditional large laboratories.
She added that the move follows the successful rollout of science kits for all the junior schools’ learners, which have eased practical learning, mostly in marginalized schools.
By Erastus Gichohi
