Kenya’s education system is under the spotlight as calls for increased funding grow louder.

With teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and rising student needs, stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize education in its budgetary allocations.

The debate has intensified in recent months, highlighting challenges and potential solutions to improve learning outcomes nationwide.

The Funding Gap

Kenya's government has allocated a significant portion of its budget to education, traditionally around 25%. However, education experts argue that this funding is insufficient given the rising enrollment rates, particularly under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

This curriculum demands more resources, such as specialized teacher training, infrastructure expansion, and modern learning materials.

Teacher shortages remain one of the most pressing issues. According to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya needs over 100,000 additional teachers to meet the demands of its growing student population.

Inadequate staffing has led to overcrowded classrooms, undermining the quality of education and putting immense pressure on existing teachers.

Impact on Students and Teachers

Students in underfunded schools often lack basic amenities, including desks, books, and access to digital resources. This disparity is particularly stark in rural areas, where schools struggle to meet even minimum standards.

Urban schools face different challenges, such as overcrowding and stretched facilities, making it difficult for students to thrive academically.

Teachers, on the other hand, grapple with low morale due to overwhelming workloads and stagnant salaries. Many are forced to manage large classrooms, sometimes exceeding 70 students per teacher, which affects their ability to provide individual attention.

Recent Calls for Change

Education stakeholders, including unions like the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), have demanded increased budgetary allocations. They propose investing in:

• Recruiting more teachers to address shortages.
• Improving infrastructure, such as classrooms, laboratories, and libraries.
• Providing digital tools to enhance learning and bridge the technological divide.
• Training programs for teachers to effectively implement CBC and integrate new teaching methodologies.

Civil society groups have also raised concerns about inequalities in education funding, urging the government to focus on marginalized areas. They argue that education is a fundamental right and advocate for policies that promote equitable resource distribution.

The Role of Partnerships

While the government plays a central role, partnerships with the private sector and international organizations are crucial.

Programs like the World Bank’s Global Partnership for Education have already supported Kenya in improving access to education, but scaling such initiatives is necessary to meet growing demands.

What Lies Ahead?

As Kenya prepares its next budget, education funding remains a pivotal issue. Policymakers must balance competing priorities, including healthcare, infrastructure, and debt repayment while ensuring that education receives adequate attention.

Failure to address the funding gaps could exacerbate inequalities and hinder the nation’s development goals.

Final Thoughts

Kenya’s future hinges on its investment in education. Addressing teacher shortages, improving infrastructure, and equipping schools with resources will not only uplift students but also strengthen the nation’s human capital.

By prioritizing education, Kenya can empower the next generation to drive the country’s progress and innovation.