Cabinet Secretary for Education Migos Ogamba has reiterated that the government will fully pay the examination fees for learners, dismissing claims that the funding had been withdrawn as misleading and false.
The CS said the government had allocated Sh701 billion to the education sector in the current budget to ensure smooth learning in all schools.
“The money allocated is 28 per cent of the budget and is sufficient to cater for school capitation, improve school infrastructure, purchase learning materials, training and salaries, among others,” he underscored.
He recalled the challenges he found in the Ministry when he took office, noting that teachers’ unions and university employees were frequently holding protests, hence compromising the standards of education, but he has been dealing with the issues to improve learning conditions.
The CS committed to continue ensuring that the education sector is peaceful and well organised to produce good results.
At the same time, Migos observed that for the best results, besides the Ministry, other education stakeholders have a role to play in the success of learners, calling for combined efforts to ensure the dreams and talents of all children are realised.
He called on parents, teachers and guardians to guide learners in grade nine in selecting the best pathways as they transit to senior secondary school.
Noting that a good education is an equaliser for children, the CS lauded parents who go out of their way to support their children’s education, revealing that he comes from a poor background but a good education catapulted him to heading the education docket.
While observing that social media was a good platform for information, he asked parents to be observant in its use, ensuring they used it positively.
He spoke at Ole Tipis Girls’ Secondary school in Narok county during a prize-giving day to honour the 2024 best-performing candidates.
Narok Women Representative Rebecca Tonkei confirmed that the government had set aside funds for national examinations, echoing the CS’s condemnation of those spreading fake news about the fund.
East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament David Sankok encouraged girls to work hard and beat all challenges in their way in order to become professionals and leaders in society.
Narok County Director of Education Mr. Apollo Opuko reported that teenage pregnancy cases in the county have dropped from over 40 per cent in the last five years to below 20 per cent currently.
He said the Ministry of Education is working with all stakeholders, including politicians, religious leaders and local leaders, to boost the standards of education.
Narok Central Deputy County Commissioner Kennedy Mwangome thanked the Ministry of Education for supporting the education sector, adding they were working with stakeholders to ensure 100 per cent transition to secondary schools.
By Ann Salaton
