Author: Hezron Rooy

Nairobi Hosts Key Talks on Harmonizing African Sign Languages. The Kenya Society for the Deaf (KSDC), in collaboration with other African countries, has initiated efforts to establish a common sign language for African nations. This move aims to address communication barriers faced by the Deaf community across the continent. At a press conference in Nairobi, KSDC CEO Rhoda Kabiti highlighted the struggles that African Deaf children experience due to the diverse sign languages used in different countries. She emphasized that these challenges impede their ability to communicate effectively and access education and services. Lissel Mogaka, Acting Secretary of the Directorate…

Government Halts Recruitment of Job Seekers Abroad. The government has paused the ongoing recruitment of job seekers abroad, an initiative led by the Ministry of Labour, to expedite the processing of applications already submitted. Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua stated that the decision was made to evaluate progress and align with both recruiting agencies’ requirements and job seekers’ needs. This recruitment drive, conducted across six counties, attracted an overwhelming number of participants. Dr. Mutua emphasized the importance of keeping the National Assembly and other government stakeholders informed of emerging trends to support and complement efforts to secure opportunities for…

Speaker Wetangula Exposes Challenges Stalling CBC Implementation. On November 27, the government highlighted significant challenges in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) within the education system. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula pointed out key issues, citing poor communication and ineffective implementation as primary obstacles to the successful adoption of CBC. Wetangula emphasized that the lack of clarity had hindered parents and students from fully embracing the new curriculum. He noted that education reforms in Kenya had often been experimental but lacked proper communication and planning. This observation came during a meeting where he hosted Doctoral Leadership students from USIU-Africa, accompanied by…

KEWOTA Advocates Digital Integration in Education for Professional Growth and CBC Success Educators have been called upon to integrate digital tools into their teaching practices to improve methodologies and boost professional growth. This appeal was made during the 5th Annual Conference of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), where participants highlighted how digital learning could revolutionize the education system, particularly within the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The conference underscored the importance of digital learning in achieving CBC objectives. KEWOTA CEO Benta Opande emphasized that for the CBC framework to succeed, ICT integration is essential, without which CBC would remain unachieved. KEWOTA…

TVET Enrolment Soars, Government Targets Two Million Student Enrolments by 2025. The government, through the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), is actively working to create stronger connections between TVET institutions and industries. This initiative aims to improve training quality and ensure that graduates are employable. As part of its efforts to attract more youths to TVET programs, the government plans to raise enrolment from the current 500,000 to two million students by the end of 2025. Trainee numbers have already increased significantly, growing from 350,000 to 500,000, with projections to reach one million by mid-next year.…

Mastercard Launches Free Online Course for Financial Literacy. Individuals, particularly those in underserved regions and young adults, will soon have access to essential tools and knowledge to manage personal finances. Mastercard Academy, a global leader in training solutions, has launched a free online financial literacy course, Master Your Card: Finance Demystified. This initiative, in collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate complex financial tools and enhance their financial well-being. According to Mastercard’s press release, a global financial literacy survey reveals that only 33% of adults—35% of men and 30%…

Government Hikes Fees for Birth and Death Certificates: New Costs. Kenyans will now face higher fees for obtaining birth and death certificates following the government’s introduction of revised charges by the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services. The new rates, outlined in a Kenya Gazette supplement issued just before Kithure Kindiki assumed the role of Deputy President, significantly increase the costs of essential services. Under his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki implemented these changes, raising birth and death registration fees from Ksh.50 to Ksh.200. For late registrations, the fee has risen from Ksh.150 to Ksh.500, representing an increase…

17 Kamiti Prison Inmates Graduate with University of London Law Degrees. Seventeen inmates at Kamiti Maximum Prison celebrated a transformative achievement on Tuesday as they graduated with Law degrees from the prestigious University of London. For these individuals, serving time behind bars is now the foundation for a new chapter—one that could see them practice law and impact society positively. Of the 17 graduates, six have already completed their prison terms, with the rest continuing to serve their sentences. The event radiated hope and camaraderie as graduates shared laughter and joy with their prison warders, friends, and family. Adding to…

The Rise and Decline of Higher Education in Kenya The state of higher education in Kenya has come under scrutiny following the collapse of Moi University and other public universities. According tostakeholders, key issues plaguing institutions of higher learning includes political interference, mismanagement, and chronic underfunding. The situation is not unique to Moi University, as up to 50% of Kenya’s 37 public universities are reportedly struggling due to poor governance. The University of Nairobi, despite its historical status, is on a precarious path if drastic reforms are not implemented. There are also concerns about other institutions such as the Technical…

Teachers Outraged as KNEC Cancels KCSE Marking Invitations Without Explanation. The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has refused to disclose the reasons behind the cancellation of some invitations for marking the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. The Council stated that the justifications remain confidential, leaving many affected examiners in the dark. KNEC clarified that marking examinations is a confidential process, and it reserves the right to determine who participates. The Council confirmed that some examiners received revocation messages via text without further explanation. However, it dismissed claims that the revocations were linked to allegations of exam malpractices…