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| Education Inequality Grows as Thousands Miss Senior School Under CBE System |
An estimated 800,000 learners expected to join senior secondary school across the country are still at home weeks after schools officially reopened, raising serious concerns about access, affordability and preparedness under Kenya’s new education system.
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The situation has exposed the financial strain facing many households as the country transitions to the senior school level under the Competency-Based Education framework.
Parents and guardians cite high costs associated with senior school education as the main barrier keeping learners out of class.
Although the government maintains that the annual cost of senior school education is Sh53,000 per learner, families argue that additional expenses such as uniforms, transport, learning materials and school-related levies make the overall burden far higher.
For low-income households already struggling with the rising cost of living, these expenses have proven impossible to meet.
The delay in reporting has been observed across both urban and rural areas, with some public day schools reporting little to no turnout for Grade 10 learners.
Education stakeholders warn that learners from informal settlements and marginalised communities are the most affected, deepening inequality at a time when the country is undertaking one of its most ambitious education reforms.
The situation has also drawn attention to gaps in government funding. While capitation funds have been released to support basic education, school administrators argue that the amount is insufficient to fully cover the cost of senior school education.
This shortfall has forced schools to rely on parental contributions, further complicating access for children from vulnerable backgrounds.
Education experts caution that prolonged stay at home could lead to increased dropout rates, child labour, early marriages and other social risks, particularly among learners who may never make it back to school.
They stress that senior secondary education is a critical stage that prepares learners for higher education, skills training and entry into the workforce.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the challenge and says efforts are underway to address it through expanded bursary schemes, scholarships and engagement with county governments and Members of Parliament to support needy learners.
Officials have urged parents to work closely with school administrations and local education offices to explore available support mechanisms.
As the country pushes forward with education reforms, stakeholders are calling for urgent and coordinated action to ensure that no learner is left behind.
With hundreds of thousands of children still at home, the unfolding situation presents a major test of the government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive education for all.
Education Inequality Grows as Thousands Miss Senior School Under CBC System