President Ruto’s Education Scorecard: Two Years in Office.
Two years into President William Ruto’s administration, Kenya’s education policies face increasing challenges.
From pledges to increase funding, employ more teachers, develop school infrastructure, and implement curriculum changes, the education sector has remained a top priority.
Ruto’s Vision for Education Reform
During his campaign to become Kenya’s fifth president, William Ruto set out an ambitious reform agenda, promising changes from early childhood education to tertiary levels. His vision for overhauling the education system was seen as challenging by many experts.
The administration inherited a sector that was already struggling, and while the promises offered hope, many believe that the government underestimated the depth of the problems or prioritized winning the election over addressing these issues.
The CBC Transition Dilemma
When Ruto took office, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was already in the process of implementation, having been introduced by the previous administration.
Initially, Ruto expressed reservations about the CBC, with his Kenya Kwanza education chapter proposing a review.
His administration committed to a public dialogue to address concerns raised by various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students.
As Grade N students are set to move to the next level in January, the government is racing to build 16,000 additional classrooms.
However, as of August, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi reported that only 3,500 classrooms had been completed, leaving a shortfall of 12,500.
Junior secondary schools are currently hosted in primary schools, which traditionally house only eight grades, creating an urgent need for additional infrastructure.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima voiced concerns about the education system’s state, criticizing the decision to keep Grade 8 students in primary schools.
He argued that these students miss out on resources available in secondary schools, such as specialized subject facilities. He warned that this decision risks creating a “lost generation” of learners.
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Nthurima also suggested that the CBC, originally intended to promote equal opportunity, now seems increasingly influenced by commercial interests.
He expressed concern that as parents opt for private education due to declining public school standards, teacher employment is being affected, and the quality of education is under threat.
Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms
Shortly after assuming office, President Ruto established the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms to address the concerns surrounding the CBC and other issues.
The task force, chaired by Professor Mavu, was tasked with crafting a plan to halt the sector’s decline.
The key question, however, remained whether the government’s actions based on the task force’s recommendations would successfully reverse or accelerate the education sector’s challenges.
New University Funding Model
A major point of contention is the new University funding model. Although President Ruto has promoted it as a solution to the financial crisis in universities, it has triggered widespread protests and discontent.
University staff and students are particularly opposed to the model, citing a lack of clarity regarding disbursement methods.
Critics argue that the president introduced the funding model without adequate consultation and ignored the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
The working party’s report, released last year, did not include the current funding model, raising doubts about its legitimacy and alignment with long-term education reforms.
The new student-centered higher education funding model divides students into five categories, from the most vulnerable to the less needy.
However, the model has sparked criticism, with some students expressing concern about being placed in categories their families cannot afford.
Some students, especially from vulnerable backgrounds, voiced their frustrations. A student remarked that being placed in a higher band than expected left them uncertain about their ability to afford university education.
Meanwhile, others pointed out inconsistencies, such as wealthier students being placed in lower bands.
Return of Teacher Strikes
After a seven-year period of stability, teacher strikes have resurfaced. In May, intern teachers went on strike demanding that their contracts be converted to permanent and pensionable terms.
Although the government had hired a record 46,000 teachers in its first year, the interns only returned to work after the government promised to confirm them in January.
Shortly after, secondary school teachers launched a week-long strike in August, demanding salary adjustments, remittance of third-party deductions, and improved medical services.
Meanwhile, public university lecturers are also threatening to strike due to stalled negotiations for a new pay deal, further deepening the crisis.
Delays in School Funding
The government’s delay in implementing crucial school funding reforms has further strained the education sector.
Proposed increases in capitation for primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary students have not been fully implemented, and schools are still waiting for funds for daily operations.
For instance, pre-primary schools were to receive Ksh 7,200, primary schools Ksh 536,000, and senior secondary schools Ksh 1,632,000, but these funds remain unavailable, leading to operational challenges.
Teacher Shortage and Medical Cover Changes
The Kenya Kwanza administration had promised to address the teacher shortage, targeting the recruitment of 116,000 teachers within two years.
However, despite hiring 56,000 teachers, including both interns and permanent staff, the target remains unmet.
In addition, the decision to scrap the secondary school medical cover under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has faced opposition.
The program has been shifted to parents funding their children’s health insurance, leading to frustration among stakeholders.
Challenges in Human Resource Management
The education sector has also faced challenges regarding human resources. Industrial action by teacher unions and university lecturers has become a pressing issue.
Many teachers, especially deputy principals, have raised concerns about acting in positions without receiving appropriate compensation.
University lecturers have also threatened to go on strike, increasing tensions within the sector.
Public Schools Struggling with Resource Deficiencies
Despite ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure, many primary schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas, continue to face severe deficiencies, hindering students’ learning experience.
The lack of resources remains a significant barrier to improving education quality across the country.
Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Collins Oyuu praised the presidential task force for its role in improving and streamlining CBC reforms.
He supported the decision to keep junior schools within primary schools, stating it aligns with learners’ developmental needs.
He emphasized the urgent need for constructing Grade Nine classrooms and highlighted the importance of stakeholder participation in resolving issues like the new funding model.
Oyuu expressed confidence that detailed discussions could address remaining challenges effectively.
Future of Education under Ruto
As President Ruto enters his third year in office, the education sector remains burdened with multiple challenges.
Despite promises to transform it into a hub of skills development to support his economic agenda, much work is still needed.
Kenyans hope that his pledge to provide access to quality education for all will be fulfilled and not remain just another unfulfilled promise.
Conclusion
The education sector remains a critical area for President Ruto’s administration. With the new funding model and ongoing human resource challenges, the government faces an uphill battle to deliver on its promises.
The delay in addressing the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, along with the stalled implementation of school funding increases, raises questions about the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to resolving the pressing issues in the education sector.
With strikes and growing discontent among university staff, teachers and students, the future of Kenya’s education system remains uncertain.
President Ruto’s Education Scorecard: Two Years in Office.
