Experts demand urgent reforms in education system as schools reopen

Former Education Chief Administrative Secretary Zack Kinuthia during an interview on Spice FM. [Screen grab]

Education leaders have raised concerns over the country’s education system, urging immediate reforms as schools prepare to reopen for the third term today.

This comes amid conflicting signals from teachers' unions on a potential strike.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Monday, August 26, former Education Chief Administrative Secretary Zack Kinuthia and Usawa Agenda Executive Director Dr Emmanuel Manyasa addressed critical issues in the education sector.

Kinuthia criticised the lack of preparedness among parents and teachers.

“The gloomy atmosphere surrounding the return to school affects both parents and teachers, reflecting broader issues at play,” said Kinuthia.

He noted that many teachers feel uncertain about their roles, particularly in distinguishing between public and private schools and questioned the government’s response to ongoing issues.

 Kinuthia pointed to the government’s unclear stance on teacher demands, including the permanent employment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and the fulfilment of collective bargaining agreements.

He also mentioned overcrowded urban schools, especially in areas like Kibera slums, where public schools are severely congested, with some accommodating up to 5,000 students.

 “The situation in urban areas is worse,” Kinuthia said, citing the lack of adequate space for new schools and the rise of makeshift private schools with poor conditions.

Manyasa also addressed challenges in the education sector, focusing on the need for better resource management and planning.

“Education must be made free and accessible to all, whether one comes from rural or urban areas,” Manyasa said.

 He criticised the government for wasting resources, such as MPs distributing batteries, rather than focusing on improving education access and quality.

 Manyasa stressed the importance of effective leadership in the Education ministry, arguing that it should prioritise implementing existing laws, like the Basic Education Act of 2013, which established a national education board to advise the Cabinet Secretary on educational matters.

 He noted that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was rolled out without adequate preparation or a comprehensive plan.

 “We were not ready for CBC and there was no comprehensive implementation plan,” Manyasa said. “If you implement a programme without a detailed plan, you are setting yourself up for failure.”

Their statements come amid confusion surrounding the reopening of schools for the third term today after teacher unions gave conflicting calls on whether to proceed with a strike.

 On Sunday, August 25, Akelo Misori, secretary general of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), announced that the strike was on.

Meanwhile, Collins Oyuu, his counterpart at the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), urged teachers to report to work, citing the government's commitment to addressing teachers’ concerns.

After a meeting of Knut's National Executive Council, Oyuu said some union demands had been met, including the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-25 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has been factored into the teachers' August salaries.

 “The 2nd phase of salary award for teachers was given and factored into their salaries in areas for August 2024,” Oyuu said, adding that this paves the way for the commencement of the 2025-29 CBA cycle.

Oyuu also noted the promotion of 51,232 teachers through competitive interviews, with more promotions expected.

Regarding medical schemes, Oyuu said teachers would continue to access services in both public and private hospitals.

 He raised concerns about the status of 46,000 intern teachers and the need to employ an additional 20,000 teachers to address the ongoing shortage.

Teachers have raised several demands, including confirming the 46,000 JSS intern teachers into permanent roles and promoting over 130,000 teachers who have remained in the same job group for more than 10 years.

 They also want the government to remit funds for the AON insurance scheme and pay retirement benefits to retiring teachers promptly.

On August 16, President William Ruto directed the Treasury and TSC to engage in dialogue with teachers' unions to resolve these issues.