Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba appeared before the National Assembly to address questions and concerns raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the ongoing challenges and developments in the country's education sector.
The CS was accompanied by the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Basic Education, Prof. Amb. Julius Bitok, as they collectively provided updates and answered queries from the lawmakers. The session focused on a wide range of issues, from the quality of education to infrastructural development, teacher training, and the status of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“I appreciate the opportunity to appear before this honorable House to discuss the pressing issues facing our education sector. We are committed to improving education in Kenya, ensuring that every child receives quality education, and addressing the challenges that have been raised today,” said CS Ogamba during his address.
One of the key issues raised during the session was the ongoing implementation of the CBC, which has been met with both support and criticism from various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and education experts. Lawmakers sought clarity on the Ministry’s plans to address concerns surrounding the curriculum, including its adaptation to local contexts and the training of teachers to deliver the new system effectively.
“We acknowledge that the transition to CBC has not been without its challenges, but we remain dedicated to its successful implementation. We have put in place comprehensive training programs for teachers, and we are working to ensure that our education system is more holistic and relevant to the needs of modern society,” CS Ogamba explained.
In addition to the curriculum issues, MPs also sought information on the state of school infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved areas, as well as the availability of learning materials for students. CS Ogamba assured the lawmakers that the Ministry was actively working to address these disparities by increasing funding for infrastructure development and expanding access to learning resources.
“We understand the importance of having conducive learning environments. We are investing in new school buildings, expanding existing ones, and working to ensure that every child, regardless of their location, has access to quality learning materials,” he added.
The CS also touched on the issue of teacher shortages, especially in rural areas, and discussed the government’s plans to hire additional teachers and improve their working conditions. He emphasized that enhancing teacher welfare was central to improving the quality of education in Kenya.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we are committed to ensuring they have the support and resources they need to excel. We are in the process of recruiting more teachers to fill gaps, and we are exploring ways to improve their remuneration and professional development,” said CS Ogamba.
The Education CS concluded his remarks by acknowledging the challenges ahead, but expressed confidence that, with collaboration and continued investment, Kenya’s education sector would make significant strides toward achieving its long-term goals.
“We are on a path to a brighter future for education in Kenya. But it will take the collective efforts of all stakeholders — the government, educators, parents, and communities — to bring about the change we desire. Together, we will build an education system that truly serves the needs of our children and prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow.”
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