Private to Public School Student Transfers on the Rise as Parents Face Economic Uncertainties
In recent months, a significant number of parents have opted to transfer their children from private schools to public institutions in response to challenging economic circumstances, according to investigations by The Nation.
Despite facing issues such as poor infrastructure and understaffing, public schools have observed an unusually high influx of students who made the switch in January.
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Managers of private schools acknowledged to The Nation that they are grappling with substantial amounts owed by parents, with many of them on payment plans. While denying a mass exodus from their schools, data from public schools paints a different picture.
Bungoma DEB Primary School, for example, has witnessed a surge of over 300 new students transferring from various schools in just two months, with approximately 200 of them originating from private academies. The sudden influx has strained the school’s infrastructure, leading to overcrowded classrooms and stretched resources.
Mr. Tobias Khisa, the headteacher of Bungoma DEB Primary School, highlighted the challenges, stating that the current student-to-teacher ratios exceed recommended limits, causing significant strain on the educational environment. He revealed ratios of 1:63 in primary classes and 1:70 in junior classes, exacerbated by the recent influx from private schools.
The chair of the Kenya Private Schools Association, Mr. Charles Ochome, acknowledged the economic challenges faced by parents but emphasized that schools handle payment issues differently based on their relationships with parents.
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As families reassess their financial priorities, the cost of education has emerged as a major concern. Job uncertainties, salary cuts, rising inflation, and other financial pressures have led many parents, once comfortable affording private school tuition, to struggle financially.
The transition from private to public schools has its challenges for students, as noted by Mr. Khisa, who mentioned potential culture shock due to differences in classrooms, infrastructure, and homework.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu acknowledged the ministry’s awareness of the transfers and their impact on public school infrastructure and learning quality. He explained that the government has allocated Sh1 billion for school infrastructure, addressing the need for increased capacity in public schools, especially in urban areas.
Mr. Johnson Nzioka, the national chair of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association, highlighted the growing trend of students transferring from private to public schools, particularly in urban centers, with a notable impact on Grade 6 admissions. The shift is influenced by economic considerations, with some smaller private schools lacking the capacity for junior secondary sections.
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Mr. Nzioka emphasized the strain on public school infrastructure, with efforts made to balance the admission process and address challenges arising from the transition.
In Nairobi, a school reported a five percent increase in students shifting from private to public institutions, attributing the trend to challenging economic conditions and shifts in parents’ daily lives. The headteacher noted the significant figure, considering existing limitations in resources and infrastructure.
Private to Public School Student Transfers on the Rise as Parents Face Economic Uncertainties
