University of Nairobi senior lecturer Dr. Maloba Wekesa says Kenya's education challenges cannot be solved through political slogans, arguing that reforms should instead be guided by evidence and the fundamental principles of a functional education system rather than populist politics.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Monday, Wekesa said meaningful reforms can only be achieved after understanding the purpose of government and the role of an education system in shaping the country's human capital.
"We must move away from sloganeering, and then we need to delve into the truth," he said.
According to Wekesa, an education system is more than schools and examinations, describing it as "a structured network of institutions, curricula, policies and funding" designed to develop citizens from childhood into adulthood and support the country's economic needs.
He argued that every successful education system rests on six core principles: universal access, standardized progression, a common curriculum, qualified teachers, credible assessments and recognized certification.
"There has to be universal access. Make education a right and it should be available to everyone irrespective of background," he said.
He added that learners should only progress after demonstrating mastery of the required content, warning that political decisions have weakened academic standards.
"We have given the worst amongst us to make these decisions. They are called politicians. Do you think a politician will ever make a good decision? No. He'll make a populist decision. I always say, leave education to the professionals. Stop interfering," Wekesa said.
The lecturer also questioned whether the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system is delivering its intended outcomes, claiming many learners advance through school without acquiring basic competencies.
"Are you sure they are actually having demonstrated mastery as you go to the next one? Many studies are coming up saying a Grade Six student does not have numeracy skills to speak of. Do you know how bad that is?" he posed.
Drawing from his experience at the University of Nairobi, Wekesa said the effects are becoming increasingly evident in higher education.
"There are times when I have to converse with my own students and the student is unable to even keep one language going... My colleagues in engineering ask whether these students are capable of basic algebra. A student is supposed to have gotten an A. What does an A signal? An A signals that this student must have demonstrated mastery."
His remarks come as the state of education in Kenya continues to spark conversations with funding remaining at the centre of national debate.
President William Ruto on July 21 announced a major overhaul of the university financing system, saying all students placed in public universities, colleges and TVET institutions will receive full government funding under a new universal model, replacing the controversial means-tested approach.
The President said the changes are intended to ensure no qualified student misses higher education because of financial constraints, with legislation already before Parliament to anchor the reforms in law.
”Going forward, any student, so long as they have passed their examinations and they have been placed in a college or university, will get full funding for their higher education. It will be the choice for parents if they want to pay,” Ruto said.
“We tried the differentiated model; I think the vice-chancellors here know, it didn’t work because it made most of our universities almost close down. Because while we promised 80% funding, we went down to 40%, and most universities suffered. We have worked on what we thought was equity, where we said parents will contribute a small portion, we will give a portion of loan, we will give a portion of scholarship, but it is not good enough. We are moving to universal," he explained.