Key issues haunting education sector as schools reopen today

A printing trader marks a mattress belonging to Vic Kimutai, a Standard Six pupil at Abandant Hope School, along Kenyatta street in Eldoret, on Saturday. Many parents say they lose a lot of money as a result of cases of theft among pupils. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Five emerging issues in the education sector may impact negatively on performance of the public education system as schools reopen today unless they are thrashed out well.

These are exorbitant fees charged by public secondary schools in violation of government guidelines, increase in cost of text books, stalled pay talks with teachers, disputes over Form One selection formula and implementation of performance contracts for teachers.