Ruto: Transforming Education for a Highly Skilled Workforce.
President William Ruto recently highlighted significant achievements in the education sector during his State of the Nation Address at the National Assembly. Emphasizing the success of his administration, Ruto commended the employment of a groundbreaking 56,750 new teachers and the retraining of 8,200 primary school teachers to enhance their ability to educate junior school learners.
A focal point of Ruto’s acclaim was the implementation of crucial education reforms under his leadership. He stressed the importance of these reforms in shaping highly skilled and competitive human capital, aligning with the overarching goal of fostering national development. Specifically, Ruto praised the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms for resolving the intricate puzzle of transitioning from primary to junior school.
Under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) umbrella, Ruto acknowledged the retention of junior schools within primary schools—a departure from an earlier proposal that suggested placing them in secondary schools. The first cohort of junior school learners is currently in Grade 7.
President Ruto also applauded the significant shift in the transition process from primary to junior school, deviating from the traditional 8-4-4 education system that relied on examinations as a transition marker. This transition is now automatic in the new curriculum, eliminating the need for examinations to determine a student’s progression to secondary school.
Read also:
- KCPE Results Are Scheduled for Release by November 30
- No Hike in School Fees: Says Ministry of Education
- It Is Not Easy to Fund Free Education: Government Says
- KNEC Suspends Nyambaria High School Principal Amid Exam Irregularity Allegations
Addressing concerns about monitoring learner progress and placement, Ruto says that the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will solely a major role in progress tracking, not for grade placement. This move aims to reduce the pressure associated with examinations, fostering a more holistic approach to education.
Regarding teacher training, Ruto disclosed that admission to teacher training colleges has surged by an impressive 300%, with current enrollment standing at 20,456 trainees. Ruto highlighted the revamped funding model at the tertiary level, which now adopts a loans and scholarship approach.
This shift is designed to support economically disadvantaged Kenyans, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds, who faced challenges accessing tertiary education under the previous funding model. Ruto underscored the necessity of this change, citing that the former model had led to significant financial difficulties, resulting in institutions accumulating a substantial Sh60 billion debt by the close of 2022.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s emphasis on education reforms, increased teacher training, and a revamped funding model reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Kenya, fostering a skilled workforce, and addressing historical challenges in the education sector.
Ruto: Transforming Education for a Highly Skilled Workforce.