Ambassador Professor Julius Bitok who heads the state department of basic education has issued a stern warning to quality assurance officers, urging them to wake up and take responsibility for the safety and standards in schools, following the tragic collapse of a school latrine in Turbo that claimed the lives of several learners. He challenged the officers to step up school inspections or face consequences, stating that negligence would no longer be tolerated.
Speaking during a special education day in Kakamega County’s Navakholo and Malava sub-counties, Prof. Bitok emphasized that the safety of learners must remain a top priority.
“What we witnessed in Turbo was tragic and unacceptable. That incident could have been avoided if quality assurance officers had done their job. We have given them a mandate inspect schools and report issues before they turn fatal. We cannot continue losing our children while people sleep on the job,” he warned.
The PS revealed that the government has allocated a record-breaking KSh 700 billion to strengthen the education sector, the highest in Kenya’s history. The funds aim to improve learning environments across all 47 counties and ensure full implementation of the Competence-Based Education (CBE) system, which has replaced the earlier Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
ALSO READ;
KUPPET Kisumu condemns scathing attack on teachers by MP Shakeel Shabbir
He described the shift from CBC to CBE as a more detailed and inclusive approach, designed to equip learners with relevant tools, skills, and ideas needed to thrive in today’s world.
“Our commitment to giving learners the best education is unmatched. This government is investing in the future because today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders,” Bitok added.
To support this transformation, Bitok noted that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has already hired 76,000 new teachers, with 24,000 more set to be recruited soon.
However, he raised concerns about financial transparency in school procurements, citing misuse of funds and weak accountability structures. He urged school heads to fully adopt the new E-procurement system to promote transparency and curb corruption.
Audit uncovers KSh6.6 Billion school construction scandal across 30 counties
“Some principals are resisting accountability. That ends now. Embrace the E-procurement system or be left out,” he warned.
His counterpart in Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, who hosted the event, affirmed that the government is also investing in electrification and road networks to improve access to education in the sub-county. She urged parents to encourage technical and vocational training, especially for students who do not make it to university.
“We are focusing on hands-on skills. Technical training is the future, not everyone has to go to university,” she said.
Dr. Ambassador Caroline Karugu, Principal Secretary for the East African Community, cautioned parents against allowing their children to be idle and fall prey to political incitement, which often leads to violence, looting, and destruction.
“What we’re seeing in places like DRC, Juba and Somalia is the result of unchecked youth unrest. Kenya must not go down that path,” she warned.
She emphasized that the government is creating opportunities for youth through training and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and urged citizens to support these efforts rather than be swayed by leaders with personal vendettas.
“Let’s not be misled by those offering no solutions. Let’s work with the government for a better future.
By Wakhungu Andanje
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
