Author: Hezron Rooy

MP Proposes Private Exam Centers to Improve KCSE Mean Grades. Jomvu Member of Parliament (MP) Badi Twalib has suggested the establishment of private examination centers to enhance the mean grades in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). This initiative aims to address the negative impact absentee candidates have on overall school performance. During a celebration recognizing the stellar performance of the first cohort of secondary students sponsored through the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), Twalib highlighted that absenteeism remains a key factor in poor performance. He pointed out that students often register for KCSE, abscond classes, and reappear only…

Kenyan Polytechnics, Australia Partner to Advance TVET Training. Principals from all National Polytechnics in Kenya assembled at Kabete Polytechnic for a pivotal meeting with a delegation from Australia. The gathering aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts to enhance the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Kenya. Among the key participants were Ambassador Wilson Kogo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia; Ms. Florah Mulatya, Education Attaché at the High Commission; and Mr. Zac Gikandi, a Senior Officer at TAFE (Technical and Further Education) in Australia. These officials shared critical insights on how the Australian TVET model could inspire reforms in…

University Students Announce Protest Over HELB Disbursement Delays. University students are expressing frustration following delays in the disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds. The delay has left many struggling to meet basic needs and sustain their studies. A group of students from the University of Nairobi (UoN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to release the funds. They warned that if the funds are not disbursed by Friday, they will stage protests. Rocha Madzayo, the President of the UoN student body, emphasized their demands, stating that the government is obligated to provide the loans. He added that…

Delayed Funding Forces Schools to Send Students Home. The future of thousands of students in public schools across the country hangs in the balance as the government delays the disbursement of over Ksh 48.3 billion in capitation funds owed to these institutions. The delay has caused significant disruption, with many students being sent home due to outstanding fee balances. Public school head teachers have resorted to sending students home, citing insufficient funds to keep the schools running. Willy Kuria, the chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, has called on the government to urgently release the pending funds. He…

Budget Controller Bars Counties from Funding Higher Education Bursaries. Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, the Controller of Budget, recently addressed county governments regarding their jurisdiction in issuing education bursaries. In her communication dated January 14, she delineated the distinct responsibilities of the County and National Governments. Nyakang’o emphasized that university and tertiary institution students should not receive bursaries from County Governments. She cited Part 1 of the Fourth Schedule under Section 16, which designates these institutions as functions of the National Government. Conversely, funding for pre-primary education, village polytechnics, homecraft centers, and childcare facilities falls under the County Governments as outlined in Part…

Lugulu Girls’ KCSE Results Withholding: KNEC Responds. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has debunked reports circulating on social media that Lugulu Girls’ High School’s KCSE results have been released. These posts, which emerged on Wednesday, January 15, suggested that the national school had received its results, initially withheld after the KCSE release. Social media posts claimed the school achieved an impressive mean grade of 10.2265, with all students meeting the university entry cut-off grade. However, KNEC dismissed these claims as false through a statement on their official social media accounts. Schools Withheld Results Lugulu Girls is among five schools…

Schools Defy Fee Caps, Parents Bear the Burden. A growing issue in the education sector has raised nationwide concerns as public secondary school principals are accused of disregarding government-imposed fee caps. Reports indicate that some schools have implemented unauthorized fee increases, placing a significant financial strain on parents. These actions, despite warnings from the Ministry of Education, have drawn widespread scrutiny and criticism. The government’s fee guidelines, established over a decade ago, specify the following maximum amounts: School TypeApproved Fee (KES)National Schools53,555Extra-County Schools45,054County Schools40,035 However, investigations reveal that some schools have hiked their fees by as much as 10,000 KES…

Ministry ‘forceful’ Takeover of 30 Years Slum School leaves 800 Pupils at Risk. The ongoing conflict over Gatoto Primary School in Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums, Nairobi, has left 800 pupils and 44 staff members uncertain about their future. The dispute escalated when the Ministry of Education forcibly assumed control, sidelining the school’s long-standing funders. The school, managed by the Gatoto Integrated Development Program (GIDP) since 1994, has been a cornerstone for the local community. Starting as a modest learning center with five untrained teachers and 370 students, it evolved into a well-equipped institution with 28 teachers, 16 support staff, multiple…

KUPPET Members Reject Age Cap Removal as Union Rift Widens. A growing dispute within the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has escalated, with numerous members petitioning the Registrar of Trade Unions to reject proposed constitutional amendments. These changes, arising from the Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) held on December 20, 2024, at Sosa Resort, Vihiga County, have sparked widespread opposition. Petitioners assert that the minutes of the ADC were altered and submitted to the Registrar’s office. Acting Registrar of Trade Unions Anne Kanake questioned the legitimacy of these amendments in a letter dated January 8, 2025. She demanded…

Teachers to Wait Longer for KPSEA, KCSE Facilitation Payments. Teachers and other professionals involved in administering the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations last year will have to wait longer for their payments. Sources indicate that the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) is facing significant financial difficulties in raising the funds necessary to pay contracted personnel. It has been revealed that the Treasury may only release funds for this purpose between June and July. KNEC annually hires various professionals to manage the administration of national exams. These include teachers, drivers, and security…