By Petra from Sparkley.eu www.sparkley.eu
How does the education system in Kenya work?
In 2003, Kenya made public primary education free to all citizens. This meant that every child, not just those who could afford tuition, would now receive a basic education through grade 8. School became mandatory beginning at age 6. And at the end of their 8 years, children would take a national exam. If they passed the exam, they could enroll in a 4-year secondary education, followed by 4 years of higher education.
In 2008, the Kenyan government claimed to make secondary education free-of-charge. However, most children who live in poverty have had their education cut short, due to poor primary education and the hidden costs imbedded in secondary education. This leads us to ask the question:
Is public secondary education in Kenya really free of charge?
Unfortunately, it is only the classroom that is subsidized by the government. Parents are obliged to pay fees for lunch, uniforms, and transportation, as well as grey areas such as school administration and management. In 2020, it was determined that the government’s subsidy per student amounts to $205 annually whereas parents must pay from $320 – $420 depending on the school type and location.
For families where the primary earners are peasant farmers and day laborers, this is a king’s ransom. These families often live at or below the poverty level of $1.90 a day. They do not earn enough to fully feed their families. Paying for the secondary education of their children is impossible.
Without proper education, children in poverty have little chance for advanced training and, as adults, lack the skills to earn a liveable and stable income for themselves and their families. Consequently, they perpetuate this cycle, living in the same poverty as their parents, and raising their children without access to secondary education. This is the vicious circle of poverty that NTS is combatting by offering not only free education, but also a completely free experience that includes clothing, food and home necessities to help families.
NTS is a rarity in Kenya. With opportunity for advancement for those born into poverty so limited, it raises the question: How has the quality of education in Kenya changed since 2003?
See our next post for answers…