Halt this shocking decline of Kenya education standards

A survey by Uwezo Kenya showing that majority of Class Eight pupils in public primary schools can hardly read or write is shocking but not unexpected.

The truth is that the majority of students joining Form One are illiterate. The reasons for this sorry state of affairs is firstly the Government’s reluctance to put emphasis on early childhood education.

By ignoring this very fundamental stage, the Government is doing more harm than good since research has shown that pupils who receive adequate early education have a higher aptitude compared to their counterparts in public schools who barely get any training at this stage.

Secondly, due to poor remuneration, most teachers are demoralised and will look for the slightest excuse to stay away from school. If not checked in good time, the situation will get even worse.

{Philip Mbindyo, Ukwala}

The survey by Uwezo has proved that our education system lacks importance and meaning to learners. If a Class Eight pupil cannot read or comprehend a simple Kiswahili or English passage or do simple Class Two maths, what is the difference between him/her and a Class One pupil?

The reason behind poor performance in national examinations is that our learners do not understand the questions because they do not know how to write, read or comprehend.

I salute teachers for their role in education but their absenteeism has contributed greatly to this problem. It is a shame that only two counties, Nairobi and Nyeri, out of 47, have learners with above average reading skills.

Our education system may be the best in the region but it has failed learners and, therefore, we need reforms in the sector.

{Alex Wakhisi, Kakamega}

Kenya’s education sector has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. First, it was the teachers’ strike which paralysed learning in all public schools. Then came a shocking expose that university students have found ways to acquire fake degrees. A more shocking report was released by Uwezo Kenya, which revealed that Class Eight pupils cannot solve Class Two-level maths, read or write. This should be a wake up call to the Government, which has promised to improve the education sector. These are the same pupils the Government has promised to give laptops come next January. How will they use laptops if they cannot even read or write?

{Nixon Kanali, Nairobi}

The report by Uwezo Kenya shows clearly that we are producing pupils who are, for all practical purposes, functionally illiterate.

The damning report comes shortly after public school teachers countrywide downed their tools for 23 days demanding better pay.

If this report is anything to go by, and if ‘illiterates’ are all they are giving the country, I wonder whether our teachers were justified to go on strike. But I can’t heap all the blame on them since our education system is also wanting. Our children hardly ever read school books or even story books.

{Nicanor Ndiege, Nairobi}