It is with profound disappointment and concern that we observe the current state of our education system in Kenya. The implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE) has been marred by a series of severe missteps and a glaring lack of preparedness on the part of those responsible for our nation’s educational policies.
The time for complacency has long since passed, and it is unacceptable that our government continues to turn a blind eye to these pressing issues that jeopardize the future of our children and the integrity of our education system.
The inadequacies in infrastructure are staggering and place an unreasonable burden on both students and educators alike. Schools across the country are crumbling under the weight of neglect, resulting in learning environments that are not conducive to academic success. The lack of essential facilities hampers our learners’ potential and reflects an utter failure on the part of the government to prioritize their education.
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Moreover, the irregular and diminishing funding allocated to the education sector is nothing short of a betrayal of our collective investment in youth and national development. This financial shortfall has not only limited the resources available to schools but has also exacerbated the dire shortage of qualified teachers. The shortage of educators undermines the quality of education that our children receive, denying them the guidance and mentorship they so desperately need.
In addition, the absence of clear guidelines on the selection of pathways and senior schools has thrown our students into a disarray, leaving them adrift amid uncertainty about their educational futures. This lack of direction demonstrates a shocking level of unpreparedness, undermining the very principles of competency-based education that we sought to implement.
The recent decision to scrap the national examination/assessment registration subsidy further engenders feelings of hopelessness among parents and students. This modification signifies a troubling trend towards making education accessible primarily to those who can afford it, thus perpetuating inequality within our society.
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Finally, the ambiguity surrounding the university funding model casts an ominous shadow over the prospects of higher education for countless deserving students. Without a transparent and sustainable funding strategy, we are at risk of choking off the aspirations and ambitions of an entire generation.
As time runs out, we must demand that our leaders act with urgency and resolve. The government must prioritize the reform of our education system, ensuring that adequate infrastructure, funding, and resources are readily available. It is imperative that clear, actionable guidelines be established for students’ pathways and that equity in access to education is restored.
We call on the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these matters with the seriousness they deserve. The future of our nation rests on the education of our children—the time to act is now. Failure to do so will have dire consequences, not only for our current learners but for the trajectory of Kenya as a whole. The time for excuses is over; we demand accountability and action.
By Evans Obiri Ong’era
Executive Secretary, Knut Nyamira Branch
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