Millions of students have returned to school today for the new term, but many still face serious challenges in Kenya’s education sector.
Despite efforts to improve the education system, the situation for many learners is far from ideal.
Some schools are struggling with delayed capitation funds, which is money that the government sends to schools to support students’ learning.
These funds are essential for covering things like textbooks, infrastructure, and basic school needs.
The delay in these funds means schools are unable to purchase the materials necessary for students, and this leads to shortages of essential resources.
One of the most noticeable shortages this year is textbooks, especially for Grade 9 learners.
The new curriculum, which has brought about the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), requires textbooks that cater to different subjects and grades.
However, many schools are reporting that they don’t have enough books for their students, particularly those in Grade 9.
The shortage of textbooks makes it difficult for students to keep up with their lessons and limits their ability to learn effectively.
Another major challenge facing students this year is the lack of classrooms for Grade 9 learners.
As the first group of students moves to this grade, the demand for classrooms has increased greatly.
However, the government’s efforts to build new classrooms have not kept up with this demand.
This has left many schools scrambling to accommodate the extra students, with some schools having to hold classes in crowded conditions or in makeshift rooms.
Without enough classrooms, it is difficult for teachers to give students the attention they need, and the learning environment becomes less effective.In addition to these challenges, many schools are facing increased school fees.
Some principals have cited inadequate government funding as the reason for the rise in fees.
With the delayed capitation funds and the shortages of resources, schools are forced to raise fees to cover the costs of running the school.
This increase in fees is especially tough on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Many parents have to make difficult decisions on whether they can afford to send their children to school or if they need to make other sacrifices.
The combination of these challenges is making it difficult for many students to get the education they deserve.
As Kenya continues to move forward with its education reforms, it is clear that there is still a long way to go in addressing these issues.
Students deserve a better learning environment, with sufficient resources, adequate classrooms, and manageable school fees.
The government must prioritize these issues to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed in their education.
