Kenya Partners With World Bank for Educational Access and Equity
Kenya’s education reforms have received global recognition and support. The World Bank extended a six-year initiative, originally scheduled to expire in December 2023, by an additional year.
Kenya Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project (SE-QIP) targets underserved communities and vulnerable children. The Sh20 billion project aims to improve the country’s education access.
ALSO READ: Kenya Leads Regional Education Reform Efforts in Eastern Africa
The Kenya Country Partnership Strategy aims to improve the quality of human capital through education and training. Ministry of Education’s projects director, Elijah Mungai, emphasised the need for high-quality secondary education to improve the abilities of the working population.
The Kenyan Constitution dictates that the government provide free, high-quality basic education. Government seeks to improve basic education for sustainability by promoting critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, digital literacy, and 21st-century skills among students.
SEQIP project leader Jane Mbugua stated that the project aims to improve the transition from primary to secondary education and retain students until they reach the age of 18. Word Bank Africa’s development strategy intends to speed demographic transition and maximise the demographic dividend by increasing secondary school enrollment among girls in disadvantaged regions.
ALSO READ: Schools Risks Early Closure Due to Lack of Funds, Warns Knut
The project aims to address difficulties such as high dropout rates in grades 7 and 8, low enrollment, especially among girls, and a lack of transition from elementary to secondary schools. Ms. Mbugua noted that the organisation aims to improve education quality and relevance in 135 disadvantaged and marginalised sub-counties.
Kenya Vision 2030 is to reduce illiteracy and improve individual well-being through inclusive, high-quality education, training, and research. The SEQIP initiative aligns with the World Bank’s global objectives of reducing extreme poverty and promoting sustainable shared prosperity.
The National Education Sector Plan 2018 prioritises quality basic education as the major sustainable aim. Governments must ensure inclusive and equitable education and lifetime learning opportunities.
ALSO READ: Kenyan Students Encouraged to Embrace International Education Exchange Programs
Kenya Partners With World Bank for Educational Access and Equity
