This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
Published on June 28, 2021, a report by the International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) highlighted the dire state of Kenya's education system. The country's progress in widening access to education has not translated into quality education for all pupils.
Despite efforts to increase access, stark inequalities persist in the education system. Many schools face chronic problems of crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and poor educational outcomes. This has resulted in a system that perpetuates inequality and fails too many children, with the poor being the hardest hit.
According to ICPC Executive Director Ndung'u Wainaina, 'Kenya's education system, characterized by crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and relatively poor educational outcomes, is perpetuating inequality and as a result failing too many children, with the poor hardest hit.' He emphasized that 'major change is needed urgently' for Kenya to comply with both its own constitutional and international human rights obligations with respect to education.
The constitutional right to quality education includes having a safe and well-equipped school. However, this reality is missing for many learners in the country. The education system has been likened to an apartheid model, perpetuating social and economic inequalities and limiting social mobility, especially for the majority poor.
