National Schools Abolished As Schools will be Mixed
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has been advised to do away with the current category of public secondary schools by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER).
The committee headed by Professor Raphael Munavu recommended that the government abandon the current four-tier cluster, which consists of National, Extra-county, county, and sub-county, and adopt a categorization based on career pathways in the recommendations that were given to President William Ruto on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
PWPER advised MoE to substitute three sizable clusters, such as STEM, Social Science and Arts, and Sports Science, for the current levels.
Parts of the statement read, “Ministry of Education to discontinue the current organisation of public secondary schools as National, Extra county, county and Sub-county: and adopt a categorization based on career pathways for senior schools.”
The task team also stated that eliminating the clusters would advance equity and inclusivity.
The committee also mentioned that stakeholders had complained about the present categorisation, stating it was unfair to pupils because it increased the disparity in resource distribution between schools.
The Munavu-led group also suggested that the MoE create a framework for clothing regulations at all educational levels.
According to PWPER, the action will stop schools from conspiring with suppliers to markup uniform prices and compel parents to buy them.
The suggestion is consistent with comments made on the matter by Moses Kuria, Cabinet Secretary for Trade.
Kuria alleged that by exploiting parents by selling pricey uniforms, schools had become for-profit enterprises.
He said, noting that parents have the freedom to buy uniforms wherever they choose, “The Ministry of Education has been very categorical that our schools have no business selling uniforms, our teachers need to focus on academia and helping our children to transition to CBC and other objectives that the ministry has set.”
At the time, Kuria said, “The government has sent a circular and, in fact, the ministry will send another circular today that our parents have complete discretion and freedom over where to buy uniforms.
National Schools Abolished As Schools will be Mixed
