The education transition in Kenya, particularly the shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the 100% transition policy, has posed significant challenges to small institutions.
Many of these schools are struggling to cope with the changes, leading to concerns about their sustainability.
On the positive side, the government has made significant strides in increasing access to education, with a 97% school transition rate from primary to junior secondary school. This indicates a growing momentum in learner access, retention, and progression across the country.
Some of the key issues affecting small institutions include:
1. Teacher Shortages: The country is grappling with a shortage of 72,000 teachers, which may lead to increased pupil-to-teacher ratios, affecting the quality of education.
2. Infrastructure Constraints: Some schools have been forced to convert storage facilities into dorms or outsource space from surrounding schools, compromising building safety regulations.
3. Financial Constraints: Despite government efforts, some parents still struggle to meet costs such as uniforms, learning materials, and meals, leading to potential dropouts.
4. Resource Limitations: Small institutions often lack access to learning resources, digital tools, and adequate infrastructure, hindering effective CBC implementation.
As a result, some small institutions are facing closure, particularly those that are unable to adapt to the new system.
To mitigate these challenges, the government is:
1. Devolving top-performing national schools to counties to improve access to quality education.
2. Implementing door-to-door tracing and household mapping to identify learners who have not reported.
3. Recruiting teachers on contract basis and institutionalizing an internship program for teachers.
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