More cows than pupils - what is behind mass school closures in rural Kenya?
Summary
Many rural primary schools in Kenya are closing because the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) system requires more resources than these schools have. As a result, student numbers drop and children must travel much farther to attend better-equipped schools.Key Facts
- Kaliluni Primary School in southern Kenya had over 200 pupils three years ago but now has only five, and often no teacher present.
- The new CBE curriculum started in 2017 focuses on practical skills and extends education by adding junior secondary school (grades 7 to 9).
- Primary schools now must teach fewer grades (up to grade 6) but need more classrooms, science labs, teachers with special skills, and new materials for the CBE.
- Many rural schools lack basic facilities like science labs, which are necessary under the CBE system.
- Some schools in Kitui county, like Sooma Primary and Manooni Primary, have closed due to very low student enrollment.
- Students must travel long distances, sometimes over rough terrain, to attend other schools after local closures.
- Parents and education experts worry the CBE system, intended to improve education equality, might worsen it for poor rural communities.
- There is little government support to improve struggling rural schools affected by the CBE transition.
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