Improving the quality of education: Kenya's next challenge

Abstract

ABSTRACTKenya is experiencing a rapid increase in primary school enrolments following the introduction of free primary education in 2003. This has impacted on the quality of education received by children, and the levels of achievement in state schools. This article explores the educational pressures on a primary school in rural western Kenya and the views of its teachers concerning the quality of the educational experience they provide. Absenteeism, overcrowding, poor school infrastructure and a plethora of local languages all affect pupil progress, which in turn impacts on the perception of the quality and value of education among the rural population. As well as increased funding for education, improvements in initial teacher training and in-service training (INSET) are needed to raise the reputation of the profession to attract new and more able teachers.