Kenya’s education sector is facing a crisis that threatens to derail the future of millions of children. Education stakeholders and experts are raising the alarm, accusing the government of neglecting critical issues that have plagued schools for years. Despite numerous studies and warnings, critical gaps remain unaddressed, pushing the country’s education system closer to collapse.
Boarding Schools Under Siege
The recent decision by the government to close some boarding schools has drawn sharp criticism from education stakeholders. Many see it as a reactive measure rather than a well-thought-out solution. Boarding schools, especially in rural areas, have long been a refuge for students from underprivileged backgrounds. However, their closure has raised questions about where these students will go and whether alternative arrangements can meet their needs.
Experts argue that this move only scratches the surface of the deeper issues affecting Kenya’s schools. Reports of unsafe facilities, dilapidated classrooms, and overcrowded dormitories have become increasingly common. Yet, instead of addressing these problems, the government has chosen to shutter institutions without providing a clear roadmap for the affected students.
Infrastructure in Shambles
A walk through many public schools reveals a grim reality. Crumbling walls, leaking roofs, and lack of proper sanitation are just some of the issues plaguing these institutions. A 2023 study revealed that over 40% of public schools lacked access to safe drinking water, while 60% struggled with inadequate sanitation facilities.
These conditions pose significant health risks to students and staff, often resulting in outbreaks of preventable diseases. For example, cases of cholera and dysentery have been reported in schools due to poor hygiene standards. Parents, teachers, and community leaders have repeatedly petitioned the government to intervene, but their pleas seem to fall on deaf ears.
Health and Nutrition at Risk
The state of health and nutrition in schools is another area of concern. School feeding programs, designed to provide meals to students from low-income families, have been erratic due to inconsistent government funding. In some areas, these programs have been discontinued altogether, leaving children to go through their school day hungry.
Malnutrition has a direct impact on learning outcomes, as hungry children struggle to concentrate in class. A UNICEF report from 2022 warned that the rising cost of living and food shortages were exacerbating this problem, yet little has been done to address it. Stakeholders argue that ignoring this issue will have long-term consequences for Kenya’s economic and social development.
Lack of Decisive Action
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the crisis is the lack of decisive action by the government. Numerous studies have highlighted these challenges, yet solutions remain elusive. For instance, a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in 2021 detailed unsafe school infrastructure and the urgent need for renovation. To date, most of these recommendations have not been implemented.
Stakeholders accuse the government of focusing more on politically popular projects while neglecting critical investments in education. The introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), while ambitious, has also faced backlash for being rolled out without adequate preparation or resources. Teachers, already stretched thin, now have to deal with a system that many feel is ill-suited to address the core challenges.
What Needs to Be Done
Education experts are calling for a comprehensive strategy to revamp the sector. This includes increased budget allocation to education, prioritization of infrastructure upgrades, and the revival of school feeding programs. There is also a need for better coordination between national and county governments to ensure resources are distributed equitably.
Additionally, stakeholders emphasize the importance of involving teachers, parents, and local communities in decision-making processes. Policies made in boardrooms often fail to capture the realities on the ground, resulting in ineffective solutions.
The Cost of Inaction
The failure to act decisively has far-reaching implications. A poorly educated population will struggle to compete in the global economy, and social inequalities will only deepen. Kenya risks losing an entire generation of children to a broken system unless urgent action is taken.
The question remains: will the government finally listen to the cries for help, or will Kenya’s schools continue to fall apart? Time is running out, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
