Leaders of the National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya (NARC) are sounding the alarm over what they describe as worrying education policies under the Ruto administration, which they say are pushing the sector towards crisis. In a strongly worded statement, NARC accused the government of flouting court orders, sidelining expert advice and imposing reforms without adequate support, sparking concern among students and educators across Kenya. NARC leaders warn that without immediate corrective action, the future of the country’s youth could be at risk.
The statement underlines that despite promises to make education an equaliser for all Kenyan children, the government’s policies are reportedly widening the gap between the wealthy and the economically disadvantaged. NARC claims that the government’s education reforms have been rushed through without the necessary infrastructure, resources or trained personnel, creating challenges at every level of the education system and leaving students in low-income communities particularly vulnerable.
NARC leaders have identified early childhood development (ECD) as an area that needs urgent attention. They argue that ECD programmes suffer from a lack of qualified teachers and inadequate facilities. NARC emphasised that early childhood education is the foundation of a successful educational journey and that neglecting it jeopardises the prospects of Kenya’s youngest learners.
The statement also addressed challenges in secondary education, noting unresolved teacher recruitment issues that are reportedly affecting the quality of education across the country. NARC expressed concern that inadequate staffing in public schools is exacerbating inequalities, creating a stark contrast with private institutions and putting children from low-income families at a disadvantage in their quest for quality learning and future opportunities.
In the university sector, the NARC described the situation as particularly dire because of a new funding model that the government has attempted to impose despite a court order suspending its implementation. NARC leaders claim that the government has defied the ruling and continued to place financial burdens on students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They urged the government to respect the court’s decision and revert to the differentiated unit cost system, which they said would be a fairer approach to funding.
In addition, NARC condemned the government’s failure to honour collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with university staff, arguing that this failure has disrupted operations and demoralised educators. NARC stressed that the implementation of these agreements is essential to maintaining a stable and quality higher education environment in Kenya.
NARC leaders also called for the immediate release of capitation funds and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans, which they say are critical to students’ educational and personal needs. They argue that the withholding of these funds exacerbates the difficulties faced by Kenyan students, who are already struggling with rising tuition fees and limited resources.
NARC leaders called on the Ruto administration to take immediate action by complying with court orders, honouring its CBA commitments and releasing vital funds to support students. They stressed that the current approach threatens not only the quality of education but also the future of the country, and urged policymakers to protect the rights of Kenya’s youth and prioritise equitable access to quality education for all.
