Some of these challenges are natural, but not all. Majority are financial, because of the poor economic situation of the citizens. You can't comfortably go to school when you don't feed properly. Assimilation becomes a problem in class and the students become discouraged by constant failure and may drop out.
The rest of the challenges are socially induced, especially by lack of interest. Another major challenge have to do with politics. If these challenges are tackled politically, then they will be long solved in little time. However with the way majority of the African leaders are neglecting the education of our younger generation, these challenges facing education will not be solved in time soon.
Challenges Facing Education In Kenya
The challenges facing education need to be spoken about before their solutions. Some of the challenges include:- Shortage of schools and general infrastructure in these schools
The schools in some parts of the country especially the northern part generally lack infrastructure. These infrastructure include but not limited to classrooms, laboratories, clinics, fields, halls and many more. It is very difficult to study properly in poorly funded schools. Structures like the school laboratory are also things you should never do without and the government should put that into great consideration.- Poverty
As I have earlier stated, people cannot properly study and assimilate when they are not fed properly, and they cannot be good academically without being funded. Textbooks, exercise books, chalks, biros, slates, drawing boards, computers, calculators and all other study materials all cost money to be purchased. However not all African parents can afford these items and the students have to make do with whatever they have.Some have to work after school hours to pay some bills and the menial jobs they do suck the little energy they should have used to study effectively.
- Outdated curricula
The issue of outdated curricula is really alarming. Some secondary schools use the same curricula for 5 years and don't bother attending seminars to update themselves. How will they be bothered when even the parents of these kids they are feeding the junk aren't? However the parents would have been bothered if they knew the right things.- High number of HIV/AIDs orphans
No doubt, Kenya has a high percentage of HIV/AIDs orphans. These parents leave the children to suffer catering for themselves and they will find it hard to feed, talk more of going to school.The result is that they become illiterates and also have a high probability of getting/transferring the HIV/AIDs to more people. Aside that, when people are poor, they go into crime to feed.
- Lack of interest among the students
When the students see educated illiterates and poor graduates, they tend to be discouraged. This is because of the general lack of good jobs in the country and all over Africa. However, it is not always like that. The issue is prevalent in every African country, especially in the Eastern and Western regions. The students should be made to see reasons why education is a 'must'.- Low transition rates to higher education
There is low rate of transmission from the primary school to the secondary school, from the secondary school to the universities and on. This is because of so many reasons, some we have discussed, some we will discuss and a few we may not touch. However the most common reasons are the issue of lack of funds (poverty) and lack of interests among the students.- Shortage of studies and learning materials
There is generally a shortage of studying and learning materials in the Kenyan schools. This is because of the poor funding by the government and responsible bodies. The teachers are also not well equipped and not all are qualified. When the schools cannot afford degree holders as teachers, they get to take whatever they see and these tell on the students.Solutions To Challenges Facing Education In Kenya
- Shortage of schools and general infrastructure in these schools
The government should provide more schools and fund the already existing schools to make sure the lacking infrastructure are replaced or catered for. The students should also avoid destroying what they already have because that is normal with African students. NGO's should also help because it is a joint task. The state government can seek external help if necessary.- Poverty
The issue of poverty is a very common one in Africa and this is bad. The government need to create good jobs for the citizens and also help them to be more self-reliant. However, without education, how will they be able to do this? This is why it seems like the poverty cycle will continue except drastic actions are taken.- Outdated curricula
The ministry of education and related bodies and agencies should enforce laws to make sure the tutors use up-to-date study materials when teaching. They should organize periodic seminars and check on the teachers always too.- High number of HIV/AIDs orphans
Awareness should be made on the advantages of use of protection when involving in sexual activities.The people should also be taught that it is not only through sex that the virus is transmitted. Lastly, anti-retrovirus should be made free or very affordable to the HIV/AIDs victims in Kenya and all over Africa.- Lack of interest among the students
As I have said earlier, the Kenyan students should be made to see reasons why education is a must. They should also be given academic prizes and awards which will encourage more struggles and the thirst to make it to the top. Education is not a do without, it is every child's right.- Low transition rates to higher education
University education should be encouraged and the fees subsidized to the minimum or made free. Also, the requirements to gain admission shouldn't be so much as this also causes frustration and disinterest. For example, in Nigeria where JAMB is a criteria for getting university admission, many students don't get to pass the examination and so not admitted whereas their counterparts in Ghana gain admission with only the SSCE.- Shortage of studies and learning materials
The government should fund the schools and employ qualified teachers to make sure the students get equipped as much as possible. They should also ensure proper screening when employing teachers and avoid non-qualified teachers.
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