Author: George S. EshiwaniPublisher: Washington, D.C. : World Bank
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 52
Book Description
This paper reviews the evolution of the Kenyan education system since independence from Britain in 1963. At the time of independence, very few resources were devoted to the education of Africans vis a vis non-Africans, resulting in critical shortages of trained manpower. Educational segregation and differentiation also reinforced racial and ethnic prejudices. After independence, education was to be a significant tool not only for social justice and rapid development, but also for promotion of unity and "nationhood." This report outlines the institutional and legal steps that were taken to improve the educational system and traces its development through four five-year plans. In the space of twenty years : 1) the system has expanded dramatically and universal free primary education has been achieved; 2) the progression of the system has been restructured; and 3) the curriculum has been significantly revised - placing more emphasis on the technical and vocational skills which remain in high demand. However, educational development in the post-colonial period has been hampered by : a) insufficient resources due to poor economic conditions; b) a high rate of population growth; c) teacher shortages; d) the need to balance native language with foreign language instruction; e) poor internal efficiency; and f) continued problems with curriculum relevance.