Society has been urged to embrace adult and continuing education programmes as a way of building more inclusive, peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.
In his speech read by Director General of Basic Education Elyas Abdi, Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu said literacy is an important component of any country’s socio-economic development.
He spoke at Emurua Dikirr Primary School in Trans Mara East Sub County during International Literacy Day, whose theme was ‘promoting literacy for a sustainable and peaceful Kenyan society.
In his speech, the CS said the day provides an opportunity for all education stakeholders to reflect on the gains made in eradicating illiteracy around the world.
He said evidence around the world indicates that there is a positive correlation between economic development and literacy levels, as developed countries are characterised by high literacy levels.
Machogu said literacy is the foundation upon which other skills are acquired, and a literate person exhibits a high degree of confidence and tends to participate more effectively in development matters.
He called on societies to encourage adult learners, as it reduces gender inequality by increasing women’s participation in both household decision-making and community affairs.
“Literate parents raise more literate children and support their education and lifelong learning. Literacy is the fertiliser needed for the active participation of citizens in development and democracy,” the CS said.
The celebrations were marked in Narok County, he said, because the County Government through its Integrated Development Plan (2018–2023), has put greater emphasis on equity in education.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, through the Kenya Housing and Population Census (2019), revealed that 174,605 persons aged 18 years and above have never attended school, while 40,247 children of school-going age have never attended school in Narok County.
The report also showed that 149,044 people aged 18 years or older dropped out of school before completion in Narok County.
Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johanah Ngeno said he prioritises education in the area because he is aware that education is key to prosperity.
He asked parents to enrol their children early enough in school so that they can become professionals and develop the area.
During the celebrations, the adult learners who had excelled in their studies were awarded certificates, and the best-performing counties were issued with trophies.
Joan Rotich, 60, a student of adult education, was one of the students awarded a certificate for her exemplary performance in class.
She said being in school has given her confidence to communicate in English and Kiswahili and participate in community development programmes.
Josphat Langat, 62, completed primary school in 2014 and got a certificate that he says has given him confidence to lead in society.
Peter Kipsang Rotich, 46, who is doing his Masters in Counselling and Psychology at Kisii University, enrolled in school when he was 35 years old.
He says he is passionate about furthering his studies and recovering all he lost in his teenage years.
By Ann Salaton
