Kenya’s education system is at a crossroads, long stuck in a cycle of rote memorization and high-stakes exams. We all remember those endless nights studying for tests, from kindergarten through university, where the joy of a good report card often overshadowed the actual pursuit of knowledge. This narrow focus leaves graduates ill-equipped for today’s job market and society. It’s a harsh truth that many academically credentialed Kenyans face disillusioning job searches, a reality tragically highlighted by the video of a local graduate burning his certificates out of frustration. Our system prioritizes scores over skills, making it difficult for students to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible career success. This overemphasis on academic intelligence neglects crucial life skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork—all vital for navigating our dynamic world. Our schools often resemble factories, churning out standardized test results while neglecting students’ holistic development. The Kenyan media, by fixating on high national exam scores, paints a deceptive picture of success, creating a mirage that hides the true challenges students face after graduation.
The Burden of Underfunding and Political Interference
This crisis is compounded by chronic underfunding. Despite UNESCO’s recommendation for countries to allocate 4-6% of their GDP to education, Kenya hovers at the lower end, with 4.3% in FY23/24. School managements constantly lament high operating costs and the government’s failure to disburse capitation funds fully and on time. This leaves parents in a difficult limbo, forced to shoulder the burden of a broken system. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has repeatedly pleaded for increased capitation (from Sh1,420 to Sh4,000 for primary and Sh22,244 to Sh35,000 for secondary) and timely disbursement, but these requests are often overlooked. For instance, in 2023, the government only delivered 25% of the first term’s capitation and 20% by mid-June, despite committing to 50%.
While former President Kibaki’s administration made significant strides in improving access to education, subsequent governments have allowed education to become politicized. Grand campaign promises often dissolve into empty rhetoric and political squabbles. The failed “tablet for every student” project perfectly illustrates this disconnect, exposing the absurdity of ambitious technological promises without addressing fundamental infrastructure needs. For students in remote areas like Tiaty, where illiteracy rates exceed 90% due to banditry, FGM, and early marriages, was a tablet truly a greater need than security and proper classrooms, let alone a way to charge the devices? This highlights a stark gap between “car rooftop” pronouncements and on-the-ground realities. Similarly, the ongoing debate around the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) often devolves into political point-scoring, jeopardizing the education of an entire generation.
Learning from Finland: A Path to Transformation
In stark contrast, Finland offers a compelling model for educational success. Despite recent controversies surrounding a program sending Uasin Gishu County students there for higher education, the core principles of Finland’s system are invaluable. Finnish schools prioritize equality, equity, and skill acquisition, fostering a love of learning rather than a fear of exams. Students aren’t bogged down by excessive memorization; instead, they’re encouraged to think critically, apply knowledge creatively, and collaborate.
This approach is evident in Finland’s highly trained and motivated teaching force. Teachers enjoy significant autonomy, empowered to adapt the curriculum and use diverse methods to meet students’ unique needs. Assessments focus on continuous improvement and provide valuable feedback. Furthermore, Finland invests heavily in the continuous professional development of educators, with programs like the Subject Teacher Education Programme (STEP) at the University of Helsinki. Imagine the transformative impact if Kenyan teachers had similar opportunities to hone their pedagogical skills and deepen their subject knowledge! By adapting this model, Kenya could empower its educators to become lifelong learners, equipping them to inspire the next generation of innovators.
A Call for Bold Leadership and Genuine Transformation
While Finland provides a valuable reference, any reform of Kenya’s education system must be tailored to our unique needs and context. The ultimate goal should be to produce learners equipped with foundational knowledge, practical skills, adaptability for an uncertain future, and the emotional intelligence to thrive personally and professionally.
This transformation demands bold leadership focused on effective policy creation and reform, increased and efficient investment in educational infrastructure, and, above all, the depoliticization of education. Governments and policymakers must be willing to challenge the status quo and make tough decisions for lasting change. While significant challenges lie ahead, the cost of inaction is far greater. It’s time to build an education system that not only prepares our students to pass exams but empowers them to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to Kenya and the world.