Let’s support teachers in nurturing learners

I spent the past week in Kisumu and Homa Bay to learn how secondary schools are faring with the massive changes taking place in the country and the education sector. This month, over 410,000 students were admitted without consideration for the strengths of their grades. While the 100 per cent transition policy effects Jubilee’s election promise, what challenges does it bring to an already stretched system?

Schools in Kisumu and Homa Bay experience some of the greatest challenges. Comparatively high levels of poverty, defilement, adolescent sex and unrest conspire to disrupt learning. Eleven schools were closed in the wave of arson attacks last year. At least one had to hand over their boys to the police for attempting to burn down their school. The nine schools I visited are not among the top performers.