Low enrolment of Murang'a men in adult literacy classes worries government

Majority of those enrolled in the programme are women. PHOTO: FILE

MURANG’A: Low enrolment of men in adult literacy classes in Murang'a County has been blamed on poor eye sight and fear of being ridiculed by their learned peers.

The concerns have been raised on low enrolment following a revelation that only 19 percent of males unable to read and write in the region have been registered in adult education centres in all the eight sub counties.

Murang'a County director of education Mr Lawrence Kirimi speaking at Kahuro during celebrations to mark world literacy said there are thousands of men targeted for the programmes while only 715 have enrolled.

Kirimi said education officials countrywide have launched an intensive campaign to ensure the public was aware of the national government programmes in efforts to uplift literacy levels.

In Murang'a, Kirimi said there are 115 candidates who will sit for their KCPE and KCSE at the end of the year.

Kirimi commended females of posting 81 percent in the enrolment in the programmes saying families should encourage their male relatives to take advantage.

"We must go out of our way and ensure all Kenyans can read and write to enable prosperity of our nation where millions of shillings have been invested by the government," said Kirimi.

John Mburu a resident of Kari village recounted how many of the males with challenges to read and write have expressed fear of enrolling due to ridicule by their peers.

"There are many factors blocking men from enrolling among them poor eye sight, ridicule by peers and lack of interest," said Mburu.

County officer in charge of adult education programmes Mr Kiambi Mutea underscored need for the community support the programme to enable more men enrol.

Mutea said adult education programmes are fully funded by the government thus need for thousands of citizens including the young to take advantage.

"Last year, a total of 71 candidates were presented for KCPE and KCSE an indication that the number will continue rising and expose the community to education programmes," said Mutea.

Mutea said an additional 14 teachers have been posted to several centre to uplift adult education.
He said there was need for more men to attend the literacy lessons provided by the government to enable them match with the modern world.

The officials, he said are also lacking financial facilitation to support the teachers in all the sub counties.

"The government has invested heavily in supporting education programmes," said Mutea adding that there was need to build more classrooms for adult learners as present rooms have remained congested.

Kahuro deputy county commissioner Mr Patrick Muli lauded adult education programmes saying this year 10 candidates will sit for their KCSE.

"It is encouraging to note that Kari centre learners mobilized themselves into a group and received Sh100,000 from Uwezo Fund to procure a vegetable preservation drier," said Muli.