Wajackoyah’s four-hour school day idea sparks fresh debate on Kenya’s education future

Former presidential candidate Prof. George Wajackoyah has reignited national debate with a radical proposal to shorten the school day to just four hours, arguing that Kenya’s education system should shift focus from long classroom hours to nurturing creativity, practical skills, and holistic child development.

Outlining his vision, Wajackoyah said children spend excessive time in school, often leaving home early and returning late, only to continue with homework. He believes this routine stifles innovation, sports, entrepreneurship, and family interaction, insisting that quality learning should be measured by competencies rather than hours spent in class.

Supporters of the proposal describe it as progressive, noting that shorter school days could ease stress, improve mental health, and give learners more opportunities to explore talents in music, agriculture, technology, and the arts. They argue that academic performance depends more on effective teaching and curriculum design than on the sheer number of hours in class.