Education in Kenya

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Education in Kenya has been based on an 8-4-4 system since the late 1980s, with eight years of primary education followed by four years of secondary school and four years of college or university.

Contents 1 Primary education 2 Secondary education 3 Public Universities 4 Private Universities 5 Background Information 6 External links

[edit] Primary education

There are five categories of primary school: Day Primaries, which make up the majority of schools; Boarding schools, divided into low, medium and high cost; and Arid Zone primary schools.

Primary education in government schools became free and compulsory in January, 2003.

The harambee system plays a significant role in the provision of Kenya's Primary education system.

[edit] Secondary education

Students in Kenya's major secondary schools (high schools) take their four years to prepare for college. Most students start to shape their future in persuing subjects that will take them to their careers.

[edit] Public Universities

The leading university is the University of Nairobi. Other state universities include Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Egerton University, and Moi University.

[edit] Private Universities

There are also some 17 private universities.

• Africa Nazarene University
• Daystar University
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa
• Kabarak University
• Kenya Methodist University
• Kiriri Women University of Science and Technology
• Scott Theological College
• St Paul’s United Theological College
• Strathmore University
• University of Eastern Africa Baraton
• United States International University – Kenya
• The Aga Khan University
• The East Africa School of Theology
• The Kenya Highlands Bible College
• The Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology
• The Nairobi International School of Theology
• The Pan Africa Christian College

[edit] Background Information

In 1963 the Kenyan government promised free primary education to its people. This promise did not take effect until 2003. The reason the government did not make primary education free earlier is due to the fact that the economy is low and the number of people in a household is increasing. Citizens are expected to contribute to the education fund by paying fees, taxes, and labor services. After contributing, most parents did not have the money to pay for their children’s education. Those children whose family could not afford to put them through school were then locked out of the school.

Teachers are not paid properly. Many teachers go on strike every year, sometimes more than once. The teachers were also responsible for collecting the money from the children. If the teacher did not collect money from every student in the class the teachers’ paycheck was held until all fees were paid. Many children were forced to drop out of school simply because they could not afford it. Some teachers sent children home during the last two weeks of school, which is when the final exams are, so that child’s parents would pay the user fees.

Now that education is free, schools have become overcrowded and there are not enough teachers to fulfill all of the positions needed. Also, children are not getting the right amount of attention needed from their teachers due to the overcrowding of classrooms.Some parents that can afford to pay tuition send their children to other schools so that they can receive a better education.

Kenya introduced the current 8-4-4 system in 1985. This means that grades one through eight are in primary, grades nine through twelve are in secondary, and then graduates spend four years in a university. The 8-4-4 system was created to help those students who are not planning on furthering their education after secondary school. It has helped reduce the drop out rates and help those that leave primary school find employment.

Kenya’s growth for more knowledge has well over exceeded everyone’s expectations. After the first university was established in 1970, five others have been created. There is such a growth for more education that private universities have also been built.

The facilities in some public universities are so small that when incoming freshman arrive most of the upper classmen have to be sent home for awhile to make room. Universities, like primary schools, are lacking the funds that are needed. There are not nearly enough computers, and labs are small and unequipped. Some students will pay a little more to go to private universities because they do not want involved with the competition for admission. Also, private universities have better facilities and computer labs.

The UK Government is giving Kenya seven billion shillings (ninety-seven million US) to help support the free education system. The extra money will be used to improve the health programs in all schools. Also, it will be used in purchasing books and learning materials for all of the schools. The money will also go towards expanding secondary education and universities. Reconstruction will occur in classrooms and improvements in water and sanitation facilities.

Although Kenya has its own universities, some parents choose to send their children to different countries. Many believe that the United Kingdom has the best universities, and that it would be a great opportunity for their children to attend a university there. Kenya universities are also more difficult to get accepted to. There is such a high demand for higher education and not nearly enough room in the universities.

The Kenyan government is slowly, but surely working to make education in Kenya better. The schools are finally free to attend. The overcrowding of schools is an issue that now needs to be dealt with. The funding from the UK will help reconstruct some of the schools and hopefully make them a better learning environment.

[edit] External links

• http://www.kenyahighcommission.com/Education/educationhome.htm
• UNESCO Nairobi Office - Fact Book on Education For All, 2006
• UNESCO Nairobi Office - Education Sector
• Education Links in Kenya
• https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ke.html
• Commission of Higher Education - Kenya
• E-Government, Education
• Kenyan Colleges and Universities
• Kenya National Adult Literacy Survey (May to August 2006)