Kenya’s Government has just invested $72 million in the country’s education sector as part of a long-term plan to spur the country’s economic growth
The East African country’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta, this week flagged-off a national delivery of core course books for Primary and Secondary schools at the Centre for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMESTEA).
“This is the start of an exercise that will ensure a 1:1 textbook ratio,” he said.
He added that the initiative, while costing the Government Ksh7.5 billion (72.6 million), has realized a saving of 13.82 billion shillings. This is one of the important components of the comprehensive reform programme we are implementing in the education sector.
“I am happy to note that with the one core course book policy, private schools and even those run by faith-based organizations, will access the same course books at the concessionary prices enjoyed by the Government,” Kenyatta added.
His sentiments come at a time when Kenya’s education system is set for reforms following implications that the sector has been churning out under-qualified graduates.
The country’s academic system is set to experience a massive overhaul in the coming years as the nation’s Ministry of Education moves to empower students who the government believes will later be well equipped to join Kenya’s job market.
Kenyatta’s ruling Jubilee party promised free Primary and Secondary school education for all public institutions as part of his re-election campaign.
The Head of State appears to have made good on his promise.
“A hundred percent transition from primary to secondary for all learners is now a reality with the start of our free secondary education for day schools,” he said in a recent address.
President Kenyatta has since directed the Ministry of Education to review its quality assurance systems and put in place suitable measures that will ensure the continuous promotion of learning outcomes in Kenya’s schools.