This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha revealed that there are a total of 3,000 unregistered schools in Kenya, a figure he expressed shame over.
Speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Prof Magoha criticized some quality assurance officers for failing to conduct regular inspections, with some only doing so after six years.
'CHANGE IS PAINFUL'
He emphasized the importance of regional and county directors of schools visiting learning centres directly, rather than relying on reports from field officers.
Prof Magoha also pointed out that some education officials were soliciting bribes from stakeholders instead of working, and that the implementation of change can be painful but is constant in life.
He was launching two government policy papers on education, including the Sessional Paper No.1 of 2019 and the National Education Sector Strategic Plan, which he said would help ensure quality education at all levels.
University Education Principal Secretary Prof Collete Suda noted that the success of the plan relies on the Ministry's ability to work as a team.
Following the closure of unregistered schools, several owners have protested and even moved to court, citing that close to two million learners are at risk of being locked out of school.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho had given county commissioners two weeks to submit reports on the closure of schools in their areas, following the death of eight pupils at Precious Talent Academy in Nairobi's Dagoretti South constituency.
