Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to immediately implement key education reforms after receiving the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report at State House on August 1, 2023. The directive seeks to overhaul Kenya’s education system, introducing a comprehensive school model from Pre-Primary (PP1) through Junior School, while reducing learning areas across all levels to streamline curriculum delivery. The report also recommends revising school capitation rates and grants, with a review cycle every three years to ensure sustained support for learners.
Among the major proposals, the PWPER recommends increasing capitation for Pre-Primary to Sh1,170, doubling Primary allocations to Sh2,238, and adjusting funding for Junior and Senior Schools to Sh15,043 and Sh22,527 respectively. Special Needs Education institutions would receive Sh19,800 (Day) and Sh38,280 (Boarding). The committee also called for the discontinuation of the traditional Secondary terminology, a shift to career-pathway-based categorization for Senior Schools, and mandatory community service programs for both Senior School and Tertiary graduates. Additionally, the report recommends a one-year internship and a retooling program for new teachers to align with Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) standards.
The reforms are expected to transform Kenya’s education sector, linking Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to industry and government projects, while promoting pathways to universities. PWPER also proposed a sustainable financing model for higher education, integrating grants, loans, and household contributions, as well as legislative measures to consolidate funding under the proposed Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill. Analysts say that if implemented effectively, these measures will enhance equitable access, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen the overall quality of education in Kenya.