What State can do to make secondary education truly free

When the late former Education CS Prof George Magoha visited several estates within Nakuru to ensure all class 8 pupils reported to form one. [Kipsang Joseph, standard]

As Form One students report to school in the next few days I can predict the stories that will come up in our daily papers and social media.

A pupil in Kanyamkago will have walked miles with an empty box to report to school at the furthest end of Homa Bay County in Kasipul Kabondo. Another would be armed with just a few thousand shillings after his grandmother leased off the last piece of land for a measly figure - just enough for fare.

Worse still, there will be stories of those who have given up on the quest to advance their education beyond Class Eight. Their backgrounds cannot allow them to dream and only a few land in the hands of well-wishers. Most, partial or total orphans have miraculously scraped through primary school.

Now, while the government has made commendable efforts to sustain the Free Secondary Education program, there are myriad reasons why it paradoxically remains expensive. The only place where there is a semblance of free secondary education is in day schools.

Now, I cannot remember any pupil who aimed to graduate from primary to the day school next door. First, they are categorised at the lowest level and no KCPE candidate aims for the lowest.

However, it is almost certain that a bright pupil from a public school will be selected to a boarding school miles away.

Then, there is the list of requirements. I glanced at one and the least a parent can spend for a child heading to a boarding school is in the upwards of Sh30,000. For those going to day schools next door, it will still not be easier. They will need uniform and lunch money.

For 100 per cent transition, things should be different this time. The Ministry of Education should deliberate about every child reporting to the school they were selected to.

Let ministry officials coordinate with the schools in which they sat their examinations, local administrators, leaders and charitable individuals ensure none loses chance to join school.

However, I believe a more drastic action should see the government invest more in day schools. It is possible to have day schools with facilities and staff as good as any of the national schools. I have also suggested before that every public boarding school should be funded by both the national and county governments to offer full scholarships to at least 10 per cent of those selected to the schools.

The ministry must also continue with the 9,000 scholarships launched by departed former Education CS Prof George Magoha. Combine that with the scholarships from banks and other institutions and we will have moved closer to truly free secondary education!

The writer is anchor Radio Maisha