By Billy Mijungu
Kenya stands at a critical juncture where the decisions made today about education will shape the nation’s future. While access to education has improved over the years, the quality of learning, especially in public schools, remains a major concern. The government’s next significant investment must be in early childhood, primary, and junior education, an effort that goes beyond building classrooms and providing textbooks. It is about laying the foundation for a skilled, innovative, and economically empowered generation.
A key area of focus must be ensuring that schools have sufficient infrastructure and operational resources. However, addressing these basics is not enough. The government should also implement a school feeding program to support learning and improve student outcomes. Sourcing food locally for these programs can create a cycle of economic empowerment within communities. Farmers would benefit from a stable market, and schools would ensure students are well-nourished and able to focus on their studies.
Public schools, unfortunately, have fallen behind their private counterparts due to negligence in syllabus coverage and lax oversight. Private schools, despite their high costs, thrive because they prioritize quality education and accountability. To bridge this gap, the government must reintroduce rigorous inspections in public schools. These inspections should focus on both syllabus coverage and the quality of teaching to ensure that children in public schools receive the same, if not better, education than those in private schools.
The education sector is not just a service but an economic driver. From construction and maintenance to food supply and teacher training, public schools can fuel multiple industries. By investing in basic education, the government creates jobs, stimulates local economies, and reduces the financial burden on parents who are often forced to send their children to private schools due to the poor quality of public institutions.
Parents must also be involved in managing public schools to ensure accountability and efficiency. St. George’s Primary in Lavington serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved when parents actively participate in school management. Public schools must adopt this model to achieve the same standards as private institutions. Private education is becoming increasingly unaffordable, and improving public schools would relieve parents of the heavy financial burden, allowing them to focus on self-improvement and other family needs.
Kenya has much to learn from Rwanda, where public schools are now the preferred choice for most citizens. President Paul Kagame’s leadership has transformed Rwanda’s education sector, with public schools surpassing private institutions in performance. This success stems from strong governance, accountability, and a focus on teacher motivation. Kenyan policymakers must benchmark against Rwanda’s achievements and tailor these lessons to fit the local context.
The teaching profession, like all public service roles, requires a level of accountability that is currently lacking. Teachers should be subject to regular performance appraisals tied to renewable contracts of three years. This would ensure continuous improvement and eliminate the complacency often associated with permanent and pensionable contracts. The same principle should apply across the civil service to enhance efficiency and discipline in public institutions.
A robust investment in early childhood and basic education is essential for Kenya’s growth. It is time for the government to prioritize this sector and create a public education system that rivals the best in the world. With bold reforms and a commitment to quality, Kenya can ensure that every child has access to an education that prepares them for the future. Rwanda has shown that it is possible, and Kenya must follow suit. Public education is the foundation of a prosperous and equitable society. It is the next frontier we cannot afford to ignore.
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