Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has called for stronger measures to ensure 100% transition across all levels of education in the country.
Sossion expressed concern that a significant number of learners who are supposed to move to the next education level cannot be accounted for annually, a situation he described as “worrying and unacceptable.”
“Out of the 1.2 million candidates who sat their KCSE last year, only 170,000 will join universities, while 216,000 have been admitted to tertiary institutions through KUCCPS,” Sossion said. “That leaves hundreds of thousands unaccounted for — and this should concern all of us.”
Addressing the press, Sossion termed the situation a threat to the country’s education system, saying that access to education for all should remain a top government priority.
“Education for all is not a slogan; it must be a policy reality,” he stated. “Every Kenyan child deserves an equal opportunity to advance in education regardless of background.”
He proposed the establishment of a public university in every county and the admission of a larger number of students, with the remaining learners being absorbed into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
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“If every county has a university and a strong TVET network, we can absorb all learners and eliminate wastage in the education sector,” he added.
Sossion also raised concern over the rising cases of unrest in schools, attributing the incidents to poor management and lack of proper supervision.
“Unrest can be avoided if schools are properly managed,” he said. “When students are well-guided and involved, they will protect school property instead of destroying it.”
On the issue of corporal punishment, Sossion opposed calls for its reinstatement, describing it as a violation of children’s rights and contrary to international treaties that Kenya has ratified.
“Corporal punishment is outdated and against our commitments as a country. Discipline can be instilled through professional guidance and positive engagement,” he maintained.
The former KNUT boss emphasized the need for effective management and control mechanisms in schools, saying that teachers — who are trained in psychology — should build stronger relationships with learners.
“Teachers must stay close to their students. With understanding and rapport, indiscipline can be prevented long before it escalates,” he concluded.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
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