The Kenyan Education System
- Education News
The school follows the Kenyan primary school curriculum, which is similar in many ways to that in the UK.This is because Kenya was a British Colony before gaining her independence in 1963. Primary school in Kenya lasts for eight years, from the ages of six to fourteen years old, however as progression is ability based and not age restricted there can be a varied age range in each class.In kenya we have had two system as shown below
1. Old System = 7- 4 - 2 - 3
Established in 1963 after gaining independence. The education structure was modelled after the British education system. This was designed to provide seven years of primary education, four years of lower secondary education, two years of upper secondary education and three years of University. The country was in immediate need for skilled workers to hold positions previously held by the British.
2.Current System = 8- 4 - 4
Launched in 1985, the current education system uses a structure similar to the U.S. education system. Designed to provide eight years of primary education, four years of secondary education and four years of University. Emphasis was placed on Mathematics, English and vocational subjects. Vocational education was aimed at preparing students who would not continue on with secondary education.
3.Potential System = 2 - 6- 3 - 3 - 3
The new changes should begin in September 2013 (if all goes according to plan). In a major departure from the current system, the proposals provide for specialisation at senior secondary education level. In the new structure, a child will take two years in pre-school, six in primary education, three in junior secondary education, three in senior secondary education and three at University. The new system should focus on child development, skills and competencies to be learn and ultimate outcome at each level from early childhood care and development to University level.
Pre-Primary Education
Primary Education
Primary school is the first phase of the 8-4-4 education system and serves students between the ages of six and fourteen years. The main purpose of primary education is to prepare students to participate in the social, political and economic well being of the country and prepare them to be global citizens. Primary education is universal and free but not compulsory. A major goal of primary school education is to develop self-expression, self-discipline and self-reliance, while at the same time providing an all rounded education experience.
The primary school years are split into what they call Standard One through to Standard Eight. At the end of Standard Eight the students sit the Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), the results of which are used to determine placement at secondary school. Candidates are examined in five subjects: Kiswahili, English, Science and Agriculture, Mathematics and Social Studies.
Secondary Education
Secondary education begins around the ages of fourteen and lasts for four years. However due to delayed primary school entry and limited educational schools and facilities, many students (especially those from rural areas) experience late admission into the secondary education system. Secondary schools in Kenya are aimed at meeting the needs of students who end their education after secondary school and also those who proceed onto tertiary education.Due to the large increase in primary school enrolment (since it became free) the number of students seeking secondary education has grown significantly.
In 1963 (the start of independence) there were 151 secondary schools and the total number of students enrolled was 30,120. Today there are about 3000 secondary schools and the enrolment is about 620,000 students.
Tertiary Education
There are seven public Universities and seventeen private Universities with an enrolment of about 50,000 students. In addition to adding technical courses at primary and secondary school level, vocational education has been a focus of the education system. The Ministry of Higher Education has developed a national strategy for technical and vocational education and training aimed at the rehabilitation of physical facilities and equipment and ensuring that vocational and technicals institutions are appropriately equipped.
Reference : www.chalkboardkenya.org