Migori-based education activist and former aspirant for the KUPPET Migori Branch Executive Secretary position, Mr. Ken Boro, has strongly criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Mr. Ogemba over recent policy directives that he says pose a significant threat to the education sector.
Mr. Boro, who unsuccessfully vied for the Migori KUPPET branch executive secretary post but lost to Mr. Samuel Orwa Jasolo, is currently seeking to unseat Mr. Jasolo in the upcoming branch elections slated for January next year.
He has taken issue with three controversial policy shifts:
The severe underfunding of schools despite increased government revenue.
The proposal to remove Mathematics as a core subject in secondary education.
The directive requiring KCSE certificates to be collected from county education offices instead of schools.
Underfunding Schools: Where is the Capitation Money?
Mr. Boro accused the government of systematically starving schools of funds, making it difficult for institutions to function effectively.
“The government owes schools billions in capitation, yet they are failing to release sufficient funds. During Kibaki’s tenure, capitation stood at Ksh 22,000 per student, and schools received the money on time. Today, despite the government collecting more revenue, schools are getting less than Ksh 16,000 per student—an amount that cannot sustain daily operations,” he stated.
He questioned the mismanagement of funds meant for learning materials and school activities.
“The Ministry is withholding money meant for books, yet many schools have not received their supplies. Where does this money go? Activity fees are also being slashed at the county level, leaving schools in financial distress,” he added.
The unionist further pointed out the unfair treatment of Migori teachers, who he says are being paid less than their counterparts in other regions furing sportting activites.
“The county director is struggling to explain why Migori teachers are receiving lower payments for sporting activities yet the government is retaining over 80% of education funds for the same. This is unacceptable,” he noted.
Mathematics Must Remain a Core Subject
Mr. Boro strongly opposed the proposal to make Mathematics an optional subject in secondary schools, arguing that the move would severely impact Kenya’s education quality and workforce competitiveness.
“If the government removes Mathematics as a core subject simply because students fear it, we will be producing an incomplete generation. Mathematics is the backbone of science, technology, and business. Scrapping it will weaken our education system and make our students less competitive globally,” he warned.
He further urged the Ministry of Education to focus on improving how Mathematics is taught instead of lowering academic standards.
“We should be strengthening our education system, not weakening it. Making Mathematics optional is a shortcut that will hurt us in the long run,” he emphasized.
KCSE Certificate Directive Will Cripple Schools
Mr. Boro also condemned the directive requiring students to collect their KCSE certificates from county education offices instead of their respective schools, calling it a misguided policy that could destabilize school operations.
“This move will discourage parents from paying school fees, leading to the collapse of schools. Parents pay fees because they know it guarantees their children’s certificates. If they can now get them directly from county offices, many will stop paying altogether, and schools will have no money to operate,” he said.
He called on the Ministry to review the policy to ensure schools retain some financial control while ensuring students receive their certificates.
Call for Action: Union Leaders Must Defend Teachers and Schools
Mr. Boro urged KUPPET leaders to take a firm stance against these harmful policies instead of engaging in premature political campaigns.
“Union officials should be the loudest voice in defending teachers and schools, but they are too busy with sideshows and early election politics,” he lamented while calling on head teachers to resist the government’s actions.
“Head teachers must not remain silent. If we don’t push back, these policies will destroy our education system,” he warned.
Mr. Boro, who has remained vocal about education matters despite his unsuccessful bid for the KUPPET Migori branch leadership, is now seeking to unseat Mr. Jasolo in the branch elections set for January next year.
He vowed to continue advocating for better funding, fair policies, and a strong education system that serves both students and teachers effectively.
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