Something should be done to end illiteracy

The Ipsos Synovate survey released early this week leaves a lot to be desired.

According to the study, six per cent of Kenyans have no formal education while more than a third have not gone beyond primary school.

In 2003, the Narc government introduced Free Primary Education and in 2008, it introduced subsidised Free Secondary School Education in an effort to end illiteracy in our society.

Needless to say, millions of learners have benefited greatly from the programmes.

However, it is a pity to learn that even after all this, 2.4 million Kenyans have no formal education and another 16 million have only primary-level education.

Uneducated people more often than not suffer stigma and reproach. In fact, they perceive themselves as marginalised.

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While I commend the Jubilee government for its pledge to supply primary school with laptops, there is an unprecedented urgency to address illiteracy in the society and falling standards in our schools.

Education is one of the cornerstones for the achievement of Kenya's development blueprint, Vision 2030.