As expected, learners from private schools dominated the top positions in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam results.
The reason? Disparities in resources, infrastructure and teaching quality between the two systems. Private schools spend more money per learner. They often boast modern facilities, smaller class sizes and well-trained teachers.
The government spends Sh1,420 per public primary school pupil in a year, which is woefully inadequate. Classrooms are overcrowded with inadequate teachers and few reading and teaching materials.
The Kenya Kwanza government must invest significantly in public schools.
A motion currently in Parliament proposes that the government revise the capitation per learner in primary schools from Sh1,420 per year to at least Sh7,760.
If the government were to invest more per learner, pupils would get many of the benefits that quality private schools enjoy. For one, public schools would have smaller class sizes.
Smaller class sizes require more teachers. This means the government should be ready to hire more teachers. If we paid teachers better, more high-achieving college students would also want to go into the profession.
Improving public schools is not just a matter of addressing inequality; it is an investment in the nation's future.
By ensuring that all learners have access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background, Kenya can harness the full potential of its human capital.
A well-educated populace contributes to a skilled workforce, innovation and economic growth.
