The recent directive, from the Ministry of Education requires schools to adhere to a timetable running from 8 a.m. To 3;45 p.m. which includes designated break times for students. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu emphasized the importance of allocating six hours for activities ensuring time for individual study and participation in extracurricular activities. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between engagement and student well being citing examples from around the world such as Finland, where shorter school days are associated with high quality education.
This directive follows discussions between Machogu and the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) on challenges faced in the education sector. School principals have raised concerns about costs, delayed funding, issues with distributing curriculum materials and financial oversight procedures. Machogu has pledged resolutions to these issues. Plans to establish a dedicated task force to address and manage these concerns effectively.
Additionally, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang supports granting autonomy and self regulation within the principals association. This approach aims to foster problem solving efforts and structural improvements, in education. The governments approval of this initiative demonstrates its recognition of the role school administrators play in fostering a learning environment throughout Kenya.