Experts Call Out Government on School System Failures Following Closure of 348 Boarding Sections.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern over the condition of schools across the country, criticizing the government for ignoring recurring reports that highlight significant gaps in the education system.
They believe the closure of boarding schools is a reactive step and argue that the government has failed to act proactively or provide viable alternatives.
Challenges Highlighted in Reports
Reports such as the 2021 study by the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK) and the Usawa Agenda report from April 2024 outline overwhelming challenges facing schools.
These include insufficient resources, overcrowded classrooms, and unsafe environments. Experts assert that despite these findings, the government has not taken effective action to address the issues.
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Schools like Olympic Primary, Mwiki Primary in Nairobi, and Kakamega Primary are particularly affected, struggling with overcrowding that underscores the acute resource shortages.
Insufficient Funding and Infrastructure
Lucy Njeri, Chief Principal of Loreto Kiambu Girls, criticized the government for not increasing school funding.
She noted that current allocations are insufficient, especially for newly established schools, and emphasized the need for funding to be based on identified needs in infrastructure.
Public School Shortages in Urban Areas
Parents in urban centers have also raised concerns about the scarcity of public schools. Mary Wanjiku from Ngando, Dagoreti, pointed out that the lack of sufficient public schools has driven a surge in private institutions. This shortage, she explained, often results in substandard service delivery.
She cited the establishment of Lenana Primary School after a tragedy at Talent Academy, highlighting the government’s failure to act swiftly in preventing or managing such disasters.
Her sentiments were echoed by Nairobi parent James Owuor, who noted that government interventions after incidents like the Hillside Academy tragedy focus on safety directives without addressing root problems like overcrowding and resource limitations.
The Shift to Private Schools
Silas Obuhatsa, chairman of the National Parents Association, observed that the high student population in public schools compromises education quality, pushing many parents to enroll their children in private institutions.
Urban areas, in particular, are plagued by a lack of proper facilities in public schools, leaving parents with limited options.
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He added that most boarding facilities targeted for closure are private, further highlighting the inadequacy of public school facilities to accommodate the growing demand.
Experts Call Out Government on School System Failures Following Closure of 348 Boarding Sections.
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