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Newsflash- CUE tells University students not to panic over unapproved degrees and other news that hit the headlines, today.

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Here are the stories that hit the headlines, today:

CEMASTEA- 102 SCHOOLS SELECTED TO BE USED AS STEM MODEL SCHOOLS

102 schools have been selected and are being transformed into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Model Schools.
The CEMASTEA STEM Model Schools programme is in tandem with the Basic Education Curriculum Reform Framework (BECRF) by Kenya the Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) which introduces science and technology as a learning area to enable learners to prepare for STEM pathway in subsequent levels of education cycle.

KENYA- SOMALIA MARINE OIL, GAS BLOCKS ROW:

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Monica Juma, says Kenya will not give up an inch of its territory to any state. Monica says Kenya will pursue peaceful resolutions with her neighbours on any territorial disputes.

POLICE PROBE HEINOUS ACT IN WHICH MAN KILLED WOMAN, RAPED HER 3 DAUGHTERS:

Police are investigating an incident in which a Maseno University graduate graduate was beaten to death by villagers after he admitted killing a woman, raping her 3 daughters in Litein.

UNAPPROVED UNIVERSITY DEGREES’ FIASCO

Tom Mboya University College students in Homa Bay went on rampage after the Commission for University Education, CUE, reports indicated that the institution is offering 25 unapproved courses. The institution was among the 26 mentioned in the report; which cumulatively offer a total of 133 unapproved courses. Meanwhile, the Commission for University Education (CUE) has assured members of the public, especially students, not to panic about the programmes they are already enrolled in and which were classified as unapproved. CUE has in the meantime directed universities with unapproved programmes to seek accreditation. Some universities with unapproved programmes (but which they are currently offering) have been directed to commit themselves in writing to have the programmes accredited even as they continue offering them. In a rejoinder, CUE has warned the universities against declaring courses (options) within already approved programmes as separate degree programmes for placement of students.

STORM IN KISUMU COUNTY ASSEMBLY

26 Kisumu County Members of County Assembly, MCAs, have signed a petition to kick out Majority Leader Ken Onyango, Chief Whip Gad Olima as leadership row at the assembly escalates.

MPs DIDO, CHACHU OFF THE HOOK OVER INCITEMENT CHARGES:

The High Court has acquitted Legislators: Dido Ali (Saku), Chachu Nganya (North Horr) of incitement charges in last year’s Marsabit clashes that left 14 people dead.

REPRIEVE FOR PATIENTS AS SOME NURSES SUSPEND STRIKE:

Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties’ nurses have suspended their strike as the Kenya National Union of Nurses, KNUN, and county governments sign return to work deal. Elsewhere, Kakamega County’s nurses have called off their strike to allow the conciliatory process take place; no disciplinary action/punitive measures will be taken by the County Govt against the striking nurses.

JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’s TAKE OVER SUSPENDED.


Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, PAC, has today recommended the suspension of a KSh. 150 million tender award to an advisor in KQ’s (Kenya Airways) JKIA takeover.

WHAT IS UP MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT! HARAMBEE STARS YET TO RECEIVE WHAT YOU PROMISED!

Deputy President, Hon William Ruto, faces the wrath of Kenyans for failing to give the National soccer team, Harambee Stars, a token of kshs 50 million promised last year.

THE DISHONORABLE MCAs

Four Nairobi Members of County Assembly, MCAs, have been suspended over gross misconduct last year. Nominated MCA Mary Ariviza has been suspended for 21 calendar days, while nominated MCAs Mary Njambi of the famed ‘Piri piri Kwa macho’ rant, Laura Mwende and Nancy Muthami have each been suspended for 10 days.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS NABBED

9 Eritreans have been detained in alleged human smuggling case. The 9 foreigners were arrested en-route to Nairobi from the border town of Moyale in Marsabit County.

KENYAN TEACHER SHINES GLOBALLY:


A Kenyan teacher, Mr Peter Tabichi, has made it to the final top ten teachers’ list who will be competing for Dubai’s $1 Million US dollars (about 100 million Kenya Shillings) Global Teacher prize. 

BABU OWINO TAKES ON CS AMINA OVER HELB LOANS’ DEFAULTERS

Fiery Embakasi East Member, Hon Babu Owino, has told off Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr Amina Mohammed’s, directive to have defaulters for the Higher Education Loans Board, HELB, beneficiaries cracked down. ” We all MUST stop Amb A. Mohammed from criminalizing poverty and unemployment in Kenya. It must not happen during our time. It is a patriotic call to all jobless Kenyans out there!” says Owino.

KTDA- FARMERS TO GET KSHS 16 PER KILO IN ADVANCE PAYMENTS

The Kenya Tea Development Agency, KTDA, has announced that farmers will this year receive a Kshs 16 per kilo advance payment. This is an increase by Kshs 1; up from Kshs 15 per kilo paid out last year.

PRESIDENT KENYATTA CHAIRED A CABINET MEETING TODAY, HERE ARE THE RESOLUTIONS FROM THE MEETING:

  • Discussed and agreed on a roadmap for resolving the maritime border dispute with Somalia and measures for safeguarding Kenya’s territorial integrity.
  • The Cabinet also discussed and approved the Sectional Properties Bill 2018. The Bill simplifies the process of registering sectional properties and creates an enabling environment for investors and property owners.
  • The Cabinet discussed and approved the operationalization of the Kenya Commodities Exchange (KOMEX). This will address the constraints faced by farmers and consumers by providing an organized market through a single platform which will ensure better farm gate prices for farmers.
  • Cabinet also approved the hosting of the 12th Commonwealth Women Affairs Ministers Meeting in September 2019 which provides a platform for delegates to strategize on topical gender issues. The event is expected to attract over 1000 participants globally including 53 Ministers.

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Good news for prospective university students as KUCCPS extends application deadline
Politics & Govt

Horrifying moments in Turkana, Baringo as effects of hunger bite hard

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Several people are said to have perished as a result of hunger-related complications in Tiaty, Baringo County. Many others face starvation as the ongoing drought takes its toll. The ongoing hunger has also affected: Chematony, Tobereruo, Panyirit, Kopoluo, Kadeli, Korio and Katikit.

A similar drought that occurred in 2016 was declared a national disaster and over 3.4 million people were affected.

Things are not any better in Turkana County as Close to 0.8 Million people out of 1.2 million people are faced with starvation as the current drought persists. The draught has been caused by lack of the rains at the area since April last year, 2018.

The Local and National governments have come under heavy criticism for neglecting their duties and letting common Kenyans to face the drought wrath.

Below, horrifying images of hunger stricken Turkanas;

Mariam Loolio is 85 and she is blind. She has done 3 days without food. 3 days ago she had black tea; that was her last meal. Kakwanyang’ Village in Turkana County
TSC News Portal

TSC speaks on advert for promotions of teachers to administrative grades.

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It has now emerged that an advert for promotions of of teachers to administrative positions is fake. According to the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, the advert showing 10,000 promotions does not originate from them.

“This is to draw the attention of our teachers and the general public to a fake advert on TSC posts for school administrators that is circulating on social media. The Commission has not placed any advert for such positions.” Reads a warning from the TSC Beatrice Wababu who is the Head of Corporate Affairs.

“TSC posts for school administrators that is circulating on social media. The Commission has not placed any advert for such positions. The Commission always posts information about advertised jobs on its website and we encourage teachers and the general public to always verify advertisements from our website.” She adds.
The post has been doing rounds on social media platforms but the said posts are not available on the TSC website.
It has been a while since the Commission last advertised for promotions to administrative positions.
See the fake advert, below;

 

TSC ADMINISTRATION ADVERTISEMENT POSTS.

The Teachers Service Commission invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the posts summarised as below.

1.job group M-1520 posts (PRINCIPALS/
HEADTEACHERS/DEPUTIES)

2.job group N-1203 posts (PRINCIPALS/
HEADTEACHERS/DEPUTIES)

3.job group M-3980 posts (TEACHERS/
LECTURERS/CURRICULUM SUPPORT OFFICERS
(CSO’s)/EDUCATION ASSESSMENT RESOURCE CENTRE OFFICERS (EARC)

4.job group N-2797 posts (TEACHERS/
LECTURERS/CURRICULUM SUPPORT OFFICERS
(CSO’s)/EDUCATION ASSESSMENT RESOURCE CENTRE OFFICERS (EARC)

5.Job group K- 500 posts (PRIMARY SCHOOLS HEADTEACHERS/DEPUTIES)

Interested candidates who meet the requirements of the adverts
should apply online through the TSC website
www.teachersonline.go.ke on or before 10th October 2020
Please note that:
(i) Manual applications will not be considered.
(ii) Applicants who give false information will be disqualified and further disciplinary action taken against them.
(iii) Teachers on Leave and Secondment are eligible to apply.
For more information and details visit the nearest county or sub county tsc offices or log onto www.tsc.go.ke, TSC – ONLINE SYSTEM, teachersonline.go.ke

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Latest Education News

Education Ministry releases latest circular on schools’ reopening, restricts Co-curricular activities and assemblies

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The Ministry of education has released finer details on schools’ reopening. Through a circular released by Basic Education Principal Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Ministry says Co-curricular activities and school assemblies should be restricted, taking into
account the social distancing protocols.

Here is the full presser;

RE: PHASED RESUMPTION OF FACE TO FACE LEARNING IN ALL SCHOOLS IN KENYA

The progressive re-opening of schools for face-to-face learning will commence with Grade 4 (Competency Based Curriculum Pioneer Class), Class 8 and Form 4 on Monday, 12th October, 2020. Learners from both public and private schools will reopen for Term 2 of the 2020 academic calendar.

The Ministry had earlier released health and safety protocols for implementation by all learning institutions in readiness for the resumption of face-to-face learning. These measures are in line with the guidelines from the Ministry of Health, and will be used as the basis for decision-making on COVID-19 containment.

At the same time, training manuals for school managers, teachers and learners have been prepared and released to schools in preparations for reopening. Although physical distancing will remain a challenge, it should not be used as a bottleneck to keep any child away from school.

Consequently, you are directed to ensure compliance with the following Revised Academic Calendar for Schools in 2020 as per the Cabinet Secretary’s directive. The 2021 Academic Calendar will be released at a later date.

Here is the revised 2020 school calendar;

S/N ACTIVITY GRADE/CLASS/FORM OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DURATION
1 TERM 2 Grade 4, Class 8 and Form 4 12/10/2020 23/12/2020 11 weeks
2 TERM 2 HOLIDAY Grade 4, Class 8 and Form 4 24/12/2020 01/01/2021 1 week
3 TERM 3 Grade 4, Class 8 and Form 4 04/01/2021 19/03/2021 11 weeks
4 KCPE EXAMS Class 8 22/03/2021 24/03/2021 3 Days
5 KCSE EXAMS Form 4 25/03/2021 16/04/2021 3 weeks and 2 days
6 EXAM MARKING KCSE 19/04/2021 07/05/2021 3  weeks

N.B: Schools offering International Curriculum will also resume face-to-face learning on
12th October, 2020.

See also;

Schools should therefore note the following:

1. All Schools shall engage with students to build confidence about COVID-19 preventive and control measures to ensure health and safety of all persons in the school communities. The first few days should be spent orienting learners on COVID-19 protocols.

2. Schools shall ensure mandatory use of face masks, monitoring of body temperature for learners, staff and all other persons accessing the schools, hand-washing and observance of high levels of hygiene. Each learner will be expected to have at least two reusable face masks, preferably which can be washed, and that meet the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requirements.

3. Schools shall maintain updated bio-data for all learners and staff and contacts of their parents/guardians for easy management of COVID-19 and other related emergencies.

4. All Schools shall provide adequate water, soap, cleaning detergents and disinfectants to ensure proper hygiene practices. Where water is not available, schools must make hand sanitizers available.

5. All schools shall ensure that school transportation comply with Legal Notice No.50 of 6th April, 2020, which require vehicles to carry not more than 50% of the capacity or as shall be advised by relevant authority from time to time.

6. All schools shall ensure daily cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by many people (stair railings, desk tops, knobs, light switches, walls, desks, door frames and window handles. Schools shall put up signs and posters that require and remind staff, students and visitors to maintain social distancing as well as hand washing and personal hygiene.

7. All Principals and Head teachers shall ensure proper use of facial masks or face shields that must be worn by all students, staff and any other person accessing the school.

8. All schools shall ensure availability of thermal guns for daily monitoring of body temperature for all students, staff and visitors.

9. Schools shall strengthen guidance and counselling services and provide psychosocial support, pastoral and spiritual care to learners and staff.

10. All unnecessary visits by outsiders shall be restricted. School functions like parents’ days and inter-schools’ activities are suspended for the time being.

11. All schools have been linked to the nearest public health facility prior to being re-opened. Telephone contacts of the institutions should be available to schools in case of emergencies.

12. Each school shall constitute a COVID-19 Response Commiitee and maintain strong networks with the nearest health facility, the County Rapid Response team, National Government Administrative Office and nearest Education Office to strengthen support mechanisms.

13.Co-curricular activities and school assemblies should be restricted, taking into account the social distancing protocols.

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will continuously monitor adherence to “Guidelines on Health and Safety Protocols for Reopening of Basic Education Institutions amid COVID-19 Pandemic” in order to determine when to re-open for all other learners in primary and secondary schools.

It should be pointed out that the country is still recording new cases of COVID-19 hence the need for strict adherence to all Government mitigation protocols al all times.

Detailed guidelines and protocols for schools reopening and continued learning are accessible on the Ministry of Education website; http://www.education.go.ke or at the nearest Ministry of Education offices.

You are required to strictly adhere to all the reopening dates and protocols.

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Census results; Kenya’s Population Grows To 47.6 Million People

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Kenya’s population has grown by 9.9 million people over the last ten years to reach 47.6 million this year; 2019. According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census results presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday November 4,2019 at State House Nairobi, the total population enumerated during the census exercise conducted in August this year was 47,564,296 persons.

The results indicate that the female population which stands at 24,014,716 accounts for 50.5 percent of the total population while the male population is 23,548,056 persons.

The 2019 census report, presented to the Head of State by Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Zachary Mwangi shows that Nairobi is the most populous county in the country with a population of 4.4 million people followed by Kiambu (2.4), Nakuru (2.16), Kakamega (1.87) and Bungoma (1.67).

The least populous counties are Lamu(143,920), Isiolo (268,002), Samburu (310,3217), Tana River (315,943) and Taita Taveta (340,671).

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Speaking when he officially launched the census report, President Kenyatta said the findings will guide successful planning and implementation of government development initiatives, including the Big Four Agenda programmes.

The President asked KNBS to release other census reports as scheduled and directed all arms of government to make use of the results in their planning processes.

“These results now provide us with a unique opportunity to realign our development strategies, policies and programmes.

“I therefore direct all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to utilise these results,” the Head of State instructed as he urged other arms of government including counties to utilise the results in their planning processes.

In addition to being the first census under the 2010 constitution, it was also the first such exercise in the history of Kenya where technology was fully deployed.

“I am proud to note that the mobile devices used in the census were assembled by our local universities and data capture software was internally developed by the Bureau (KNBS),” the President said of the national exercise that was fully funded by the government.

Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i (Interior), Joe Mucheru (ICT) and Ukur Yattani (National Treasury) were among several senior government officials at this year’s census results launch ceremony.