This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
The Hidden Cost of Privatised Education in Kenya ¶
November 24, 2019
While pupils in most private schools enjoy the comforts of proper desks and computers, those at Paka Hills Primary School in Baringo County sit on stones, a stark reminder of the disparities in Kenya's education system.
The release of KCPE results is a dicey moment for parents, with some celebrating their child's performance and others facing stress and distress. The media often focuses on the achievements of top performers, leaving those who struggle to make ends meet in the shadows.
However, the results mark a turning point in children's lives, a moment when the whole country, family, and community come together to think about their future. It's a rite of passage that has become a contentious issue, with some arguing that it's the responsibility of churches or elders to guide the transition.
But what about the children who don't have the luxury of choice? Those who are forced to attend public schools, where resources are scarce and facilities are often inadequate. The academies, as they're called, have created a parallel system that caters to the middle class, leaving the hustlers and the poor behind.
The results show a stark contrast between the top performers from academies and their public counterparts. The former go on to attend top national schools, while the latter are left to struggle. It's a paradox that has been exacerbated by the expansion of national schools, which has made the competition for slots even more intense.
But what about the children who don't make the cut? Those who are left behind, often due to circumstances beyond their control. The proposed scholarship programme by the Ministry of Education is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough. We need to address the root causes of inequality in our education system, and that means providing equal access to quality education for all.
As the great economies of the world have shown, it's not about natural resources like oil, but about putting the brains of their citizens to use. We have a workable solution to make education the holy grail of socio-economic advancement, not inequality. An unequal society is expensive to run, and the emotional cost is immeasurable.
Let's do all we can to ensure no child is left behind. Brains are our greatest national asset, and any child who drops out or is not allowed to reach their potential is a loss to the nation.
— The writer teaches at the University of Nairobi
