In recent years, the Ministry of Education in Kenya has found itself grappling with a significant issue – the declining enrollment of learners in public institutions. This trend has raised concerns about the mismanagement of resources and the financial implications involved. Millions of shillings are going to waste as parents and learners choose to shun public primary and secondary schools, as well as universities. This situation stands in stark contrast to the over-enrollment and congestion commonly associated with most public institutions of learning.
A spot check conducted by the Nation revealed that public school facilities, equipment, and staff are not being put to optimal use due to low enrollment. This observation was made in both urban and rural schools, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. For instance, Kileleshwa Primary School in Dagoretti North, Nairobi County, has the capacity to host approximately 2,000 learners but currently only has 200 students attending. Despite its well-staffed and spacious facilities, the school has struggled to attract enough learners over the years.
One of the reasons behind this decline in enrollment is the perception that public education is of a lower standard compared to private schools. Parents in the surrounding community prefer to send their children to private schools, leaving public institutions with low enrollment numbers. This situation is not unique to Kileleshwa Primary School but is echoed in other areas as well. Kilimani Primary School, just three kilometers away, has an enrollment of over 3,000 learners, while Milimani Primary School along Muringa Road also experiences high enrollment despite having a smaller compound.
The issue of congestion in certain schools has prompted initiatives to transport learners from heavily congested areas to schools with available space. Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has been leading such an initiative, transferring about 100 learners from Kawangware to Kileleshwa Primary School. However, this solution only addresses the symptoms of the problem and does not tackle the underlying issues causing the decline in enrollment.
During an address to the Senate Committee on Education, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang acknowledged that the initial expectation was for schools to draw learners from the neighborhoods in which they were established. However, socio-economic dynamics have changed over time, leading to a shift in parental preferences and choices. Consequently, schools that were once thriving are now facing closure due to low enrollment.
One such example is St Brigid’s Primary School along Gen Waruinge Road in Pumwani, Starehe Sub-county. Despite its location in a densely populated low-income estate, the school has an enrollment of only about 150 learners. The buildings are in a state of disrepair, with broken windows and peeling paint. Inside the classrooms, the furniture is dilapidated, and there is a lack of basic amenities such as running water. It is disheartening to see such a facility struggle to attract learners and provide them with a conducive learning environment.
The situation is further compounded by the existence of multiple schools in close proximity to each other. Dominic Njenga, a resident, argues that it would be more efficient and cost-effective to merge these schools into one or two institutions. This would help streamline resources and ensure optimal utilization. Examples of such schools in close proximity include Pumwani Primary School, Muslim Primary School, Dr Aggrey Primary School, and Juja Primary School.
In Kiambogo Secondary School, located just a few kilometers away from Kijabe Hospital in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County, the closure of the institution due to low enrollment has left a sense of sadness and disappointment. The community’s negative perception of the school, coupled with its consistently low academic performance, played a significant role in its closure. Despite having all the necessary facilities, the school failed to attract enough learners, resulting in its downfall.
The challenges faced by public institutions are not limited to urban areas. Even in rural areas, schools like Cheptulel Boys High School in the banditry hotspot of Chesegon on the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties face similar issues. Due to insecurity in the region, learners were relocated to Surumben Primary School in Masol Ward, leaving Cheptulel Boys High School without any students. The efforts made by the government to rehabilitate the school have gone to waste, as the low enrollment numbers persist.
The decline in enrollment is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. Communities also play a significant role in shaping perceptions and determining the fate of local institutions. Negative labeling and stigmatization of schools based on past performance can have long-lasting effects and discourage potential learners from enrolling.
The Ministry of Education must address these challenges and find sustainable solutions. Efforts should focus not only on title: Declining Enrollment Puts Ministry of Education in the Spotlight
