Children, youth and education stakeholders have called on the government to strengthen Kenya’s public education system and curb rising privatization trends, warning that the shift towards private schooling threatens access, equality, and the quality of education.
Speaking during a press conference on the Privatization of Education in Kenya that was about opportunity or Threat to Quality Inclusive Education, participants emphasized that education is a right and must remain a public good.
The forum that was held in Nairobi brought together learners, university students, parents, civil society organizations, and education advocates who urged the government to ensure equitable access and adequate funding for public schools.
Learners took center stage, passionately appealing to President William Ruto’s administration to prioritize funding and inclusivity in education.
“Education is our right and it is the government’s duty to make sure we get it. When you invest in public education, you invest in our future,” said Gift Mwema, a Grade Six pupil from HGM Renewal Junior School.
Her sentiments were echoed by Cindy Moraa from Kibiku Comprehensive School, who urged the State to invest in peace, dreams, justice, and the nation’s growth by making public education strong and free for every Kenyan child.
From Mathare, Shanel Helen, a Grade Five pupil at Mathare Junior Academy, decried the absence of a public school in her area.
“In Mabatini and Gaye wards, there is no single public school. Yet we are taxpayers. Who should we turn to?” she asked.
Learners with disabilities also raised their voices for inclusion.
Lissi Wangori from Treeside School for the Deaf in Kasarani appealed to leaders to remember deaf children and those with various disabilities, urging the government to provide specialized teachers, equipment, and decision-making inclusion for all.
University students and civil society leaders echoed similar concerns.
Michelle Baraka from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa called for government accountability, noting, “If we don’t ask the hard questions, who will?”
Karel Omoyo, Secretary-General of the University Student Leaders Association of Kenya, decried the high cost of education, saying many students are dropping out because their parents cannot afford fees. “Education is a right to every student, and we must make it affordable to all,” he said.
Juliet Mwendwa, also from the Catholic University, urged the government to reinstate the previous university funding model, while Kiki Stacey from the University of Nairobi called for adequate resources for learners with disabilities in higher institutions.
Civil society organizations pressed for stronger regulation and equitable distribution of education funds.
Johnstone Shisanya of the East African Centre for Human Rights said the State has a duty to provide free and quality public education.
“We cannot end inequality without fixing the weak education system. Funds must be released on time, and private actors in education must be properly regulated,” he said, citing the rise of schools which he termed as ghost schools and mismanagement of capitation funds.
David Karani of the Elimu Bora Working Group emphasized the need for special-needs units in every public school.
“Special education is expensive in private institutions. The government must invest in trained teachers, timely learning materials, and accessible infrastructure,” he said.
The briefing concluded with a united call to make public education free, inclusive, and effective for all children in Kenya, reaffirming that education is the foundation of the nation’s social and economic development.
By Mary Ndanu and Samuel Kivuva
