CS Machogu Unveils National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2023-2027: Key Pillars
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has unveiled the National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) for 2023-2027, a comprehensive framework designed to guide Kenya’s education sector over the next five years.
This blueprint highlights the country’s readiness to implement a series of upcoming reforms.
Machogu noted that this Strategic Plan is the first to be formulated under the Kenya Kwanza Government, reflecting its commitment to prioritizing education programs, which are seen as foundational to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation (BETA).
Emphasizing the Government’s dedication to education, he previewed the upcoming Budget Statement for 2024/2025, which will allocate a significant portion of resources to the education sector.
During a speech at the Kenya School of Government, Machogu expressed confidence in the Strategic Plan, stating it would ensure the successful delivery of essential education services.
He praised his Ministry colleagues and development partners for their efforts in finalizing the Plan, which will immediately guide national education programs.
The Strategic Plan’s vision focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education, training, and research for prosperity.
This vision demonstrates the Government’s commitment to providing every citizen, regardless of background, with access to quality education that empowers them and contributes to national prosperity.
The Plan outlines several key pillars:
- Promoting inclusive practices that celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for success.
- Encouraging innovative teaching and learning methodologies that foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Strengthening education management systems to improve transparency and ensure efficient resource use.
- Establishing mechanisms for ongoing training to keep pace with evolving educational practices.
- Enhancing digital literacy and access to online resources, and promoting ICT use in teaching and learning.
Machogu mentioned that the launch of this Strategic Plan aligns with significant ongoing reforms in the education sector.
The Plan incorporates recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, included in a report submitted to the President last year.
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Additionally, the Ministry has drafted a Sessional Paper and several proposed laws to implement these reforms once passed by Parliament.
The Strategic Plan outlines a roadmap for transitioning from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum.
However, Machogu cautioned that successful implementation would require substantial financial and human capital investments.
A detailed cost implementation matrix ensures efficient resource utilization, with the Plan expected to cost approximately Ksh.5.2 trillion over the next five years.
To achieve the Strategic Plan’s goals, Machogu called for support from government, development partners, private sector investments, and community contributions.
He revealed that the Ministry plans to construct 16,000 new classrooms for Junior School by December 2024, along with renovating and building other facilities like laboratories, dining halls, and WASH facilities.
Teachers
Additionally, the Plan includes hiring 111,870 new teachers to address the current shortage and providing a roadmap for inclusive education for special needs learners.
Machogu highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to improve equitable access to education, such as the School Meals Programme targeting marginalized children in ASAL counties and urban poor children.
This program has benefitted 2.6 million children, with data showing increased school attendance and retention when the feeding program is active.
In May 2023, the government launched a New Funding Model for tertiary education, using a student-centered approach where funding is based on need.
This model was implemented for first-year university and TVET students in September 2024. By May 2024, 112,741 university students and 151,933 TVET learners had applied for scholarships and loans.
A total of Sh 24.76B was disbursed to university students, and Sh 11.3B went to TVET trainees.
For the first time since the government adopted cost-sharing in higher education, 100% of applicants received financial support to pursue their chosen programs.
This year, the second cohort of TVET and university students will also receive financial support.
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Of the 895,232 candidates who took the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examination, 153,274 were placed in degree programs, and 75,718 in TVET institutions by KUCCPS.
Simultaneously, applications for the Open University of Kenya programs continue on the KUCCPS portal.
Machogu encouraged all Kenyans seeking further education to take advantage of the flexibility and globally competitive programs offered by the Open University of Kenya.
CS Machogu Unveils National Education Sector Strategic Plan (NESSP) 2023-2027: Key Pillars
