According to new Ministry of Education guidelines which were signed by Education CS George Magoha, Early Learning and Basic Education PS Julius Jwan, and Director of Quality Assurance Mary Gaturu, the new curriculum and increased learner intake will necessitate larger laboratories.
Therefore, all schools will be required to have laboratories capable of accommodating all subjects, not just Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
“Currently, existing laboratories were designed for use by 40 students. However, class sizes are currently well above this as a result of FPE and FDSE,” the report reads.
The standards are intended to be adopted by all primary and secondary schools, teacher training colleges and special needs centers.
The ministry further directed that lab services be expanded to accommodate changing learning patterns and methods.
“To include additional overarching learning areas beginning from the local environment as well as enhancing investigative pedagogy,” the report reads.
When constructing the labs, each lab should have two main entrance steel doors and one room with a steel exit door.
“Windows to have cross ventilation on both the longer, opposite walls, be large enough to permit good natural light, ventilation and have appropriate burglarproofing and lock systems,” the report reads.
Concrete, terrazzo, or ceramic tiles should be used to build platforms with practical surfaces. This includes areas that may come into contact with water, the floor, benches, and finishes that must be resistant to the impacts of falling objects and chemical corrosion.
“2.4 square meters per student plus additional 1.0sqm (emergency corner shower point) plus 32 sqm (Store, Preparation Areas, &Teachers Office),” the report reads.
All windows and doors should be opened outwards for the safety of students and teachers using the labs.
“There shall be one main door and at least one more fire escape door, both as far apart as possible, a third door to exit from stores or preparation room areas,” the report reads further.
The ministry also advocates for laboratories to be built on the ground level, with safety ramps or mechanical lifts in storey buildings.
