The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, has declared that the government will not tolerate ridiculous politics that can interfere with the education sector.
Ogamba made the remarks on Monday warning that unchecked politics could erode learning standards and derail key reforms currently being implemented in the education system.
The CS cautioned politicians against using education as a tool to gain political mileage saying schools should remain neutral spaces focused solely on preparing and nurturing learners for national development.
Speaking during an inspection tour of Grade 10 admissions at Kamahuha Girls High School, Mumbi Girls High School and Murang’a High School, the CS said the education sector must be protected from toxic politics that threaten its stability.
Ogamba took issue with leaders who have been pushing for national schools to admit a majority of learners from their localities arguing that such remarks undermine the spirit under which the institutions were established.
He noted that national schools represent the face of Kenya and were designed to promote national cohesion by admitting learners from across the country.
“National schools were established many years ago even before the creation of the NG-CDF. They were meant to bring together learners from all regions, backgrounds and communities so that young Kenyans can learn together and appreciate diversity,” he stated.
The CS warned that politicising admissions and management of schools could, if not checked, negatively affect not only national cohesion but also the quality and standards of education.
He stressed that education policy decisions must be guided by professionalism, data and the best interests of learners rather than political pressure.
The CS further assured that the government is not only focused on protecting learners from drug and substance abuse but is also keen on shielding them from what he described as toxic and divisive politics that could distract them from their academic goals.
Calling on political leaders to exercise restraint, the CS urged them to engage in constructive politics instead of demonising government programmes.
“Let us debate policies constructively and allow education to remain a unifying factor, not a battleground for political interests,” he said.
At the same time, Ogamba dismissed claims that school fees and government capitation had been increased, terming the allegations misleading and unnecessary alarm.
“It’s unfortunate to see some leaders claim that school fees were increased and at the same time capitation was reduced. That’s not true. The fees parents are paying are similar to that which was paid last year.” He averred.
He assured parents that the government remains committed to supporting education through sustained funding and reforms aimed at easing the burden on families.
On the transition to senior schools under the Competency-Based Education (CBE), Ogamba gave assurance that all learners who sat for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) will proceed to senior secondary schools without hindrance.
He said adequate preparations have been made to ensure a smooth transition adding that teachers have already been retooled and trained to handle Grade 10 while infrastructure has been expanded to accommodate the incoming learners.
“We have enough space in terms of classrooms, laboratories and other facilities to cater for the Grade 10 learners joining senior school,” he noted.
The CS further observed that education officers across the country have been deployed to oversee admissions and ensure the process runs smoothly and transparently.
Ogamba urged learners to remain focused on their studies and to avoid behaviours that could derail their education noting that discipline and hard work are key ingredients of success.
The inspection tour in Murang’a County, he said, was part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to monitor preparedness in schools and address emerging challenges early.
By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo
