Education stakeholders gathered at Elegant Hotel in Bungoma to address the persistent challenges that hinder children, particularly adolescent girls, from accessing quality education.
The high-level dialogue, facilitated by the Elimu Yetu Coalition, brought together representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and other key players in the education sector. The discussions focused on critical barriers such as early pregnancies, child marriages, and school dropouts, which continue to limit educational opportunities for young girls.
Speaking after the event on Wednesday, Reverend Johnstone Nyongesa, a member of the county education network, underscored the crucial role of parental involvement in tackling these challenges.
“Raising awareness among parents is important. Without community understanding, we will be fighting a losing battle,” he stated.
Bridging the Gaps in Education Access
While stakeholders acknowledged efforts by both the national and county governments—including infrastructure development, teacher training, and scholarship programs—concerns were raised over significant gaps in Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs). Young mothers, in particular, struggle to continue their education due to the lack of childcare facilities, preventing them from fully benefiting from vocational education programs.
Participants also emphasized the need for stronger policy implementation at the county level. Despite existing policies aimed at addressing education challenges, greater political will was called for to ensure they are passed and effectively enacted.
STEM Education and the Future of Learning
The meeting also explored the future of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, with stakeholders advocating for increased investment and prioritization of STEM subjects to drive innovation and economic growth.
Elimu Yetu Coalition’s National Coordinator, Joseph Wasikhongo, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that all learners receive an education that prepares them for the future.
“STEM subjects are essential in today’s world, and we need to ensure that learners have access to quality education in these fields,” Wasikhongo noted.
Despite strong support for STEM prioritization, stakeholders emphasized the need for a balanced curriculum that also values social sciences, arts, and technical skills, ensuring well-rounded education opportunities for all students.
The Debate on Mathematics as a Compulsory Subject
A heated discussion arose over the compulsory status of Mathematics in the school curriculum. CSOs strongly defended its necessity, citing its role in problem-solving, logical reasoning, and career development across multiple disciplines.
“Mathematics is a foundational subject that prepares learners for diverse career paths, not just in STEM but also in finance, business, and even social sciences,” stated the Elimu Yetu National Coordinator.
While some participants raised concerns that making Mathematics compulsory might create difficulties for some learners, the consensus was that improving instructional quality and providing additional support would be a more effective solution than making the subject optional.
A Call to Action
As the discussions concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed the urgent need for improved infrastructure, greater parental involvement, and stronger policy implementation to break down education barriers in Bungoma County.
The Elimu Yetu Coalition and its partners remain committed to working with policymakers, educators, and communities to ensure that every child—especially adolescent girls—has the opportunity to receive a quality, inclusive education that prepares them for a brighter future.
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