The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) now wants the government to support private schools to construct adequate classes ahead of the transition to Junior Secondary School.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori said construction of classrooms and general preparations for transition need to be elaborate to avoid subjecting education to a profit-making venture and prevent cut throat competition.
“Education is a public good. The minister of Education should provide incentives for private school developers to build capacity and ensure standards are maintained across all schools, whether private or public,” said Mr Misori.
“We subject schools to cut-throat competition, turning education into a profit-making venture. This leads to so much wastage, because many bright and talented minds cannot afford schools with the best resources,” he added.
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Mr Misori spoke a day after Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Professor George Magoha, asked private schools to construct stand-alone institutions to anchor Junior Secondary schools.
“We are telling the private primary schools that you can create stand-alone junior schools. It’s a win-win situation,” said Prof Magoha at the annual Kenya Private Schools Association conference held in Mombasa July 5.
Mr Misori, however, said that the Ministry of Education should not abdicate its responsibility and should also provide guidelines on implementation.
