Policies on education in Kenya from 1963-2000

1. Introduction of Free Primary Education: In 1974, the Kenyan government introduced free primary education to increase access to education for all children in the country.

2. Expansion of Secondary Education: In the 1980s and 1990s, the government focused on expanding secondary education by building more schools and increasing enrollment rates.

3. Vocational Training: The government also emphasized vocational training programs to provide students with practical skills for the workforce.

4. Curriculum Reforms: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the government implemented various curriculum reforms to improve the quality of education and align it with the needs of the economy.

5. Teacher Training: The government invested in teacher training programs to improve the quality of education and ensure that teachers were adequately prepared to teach students.

6. Gender Equality: The government made efforts to promote gender equality in education by increasing access to education for girls and implementing policies to address gender disparities in enrollment rates.

7. Special Needs Education: The government also focused on improving access to education for children with special needs by establishing special schools and providing support services.

8. Decentralization of Education: In the 1990s, the government decentralized the education system to give more autonomy to schools and communities in decision-making processes.

9. National Education Policy: In 1999, the government introduced the National Education Policy to provide a framework for the development of education in Kenya and ensure that all children had access to quality education.

Overall, the policies on education in Kenya from 1963-2000 focused on increasing access to education, improving the quality of education, promoting gender equality, and addressing the needs of special populations. These policies laid the foundation for the development of the education system in Kenya and continue to shape education policies in the country today.

1963-1978: Initial Reforms and Expansion

- 1963: Ominde Commission: Recommended a comprehensive education system that emphasized basic education and manpower training.
- 1964: Government White Paper on Education: Stressed the importance of vocational and technical education, teacher training, and adult literacy.
- 1966: Introduction of 8-4-4 System: This system consisted of 8 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary education, and a 4-year university program.
- 1968: Free Primary Education Policy: Made primary education free and accessible to all.
- 1970s: Expansion of Secondary and Higher Education: Establishment of new secondary schools and universities to accommodate the growing demand for education.

1978-1988: Decentralization and Shift towards Vocational Education

- 1978: Ndegwa Commission: Recommended decentralization of education administration and a shift towards vocational education and training.
- 1981: Decentralization of Education Policy: Transfer of educational responsibilities to local authorities.
- 1980s: Promotion of Vocational and Technical Education: Establishment of vocational training centers and integration of vocational subjects into secondary school curricula.

1988-2000: Economic Crisis and Reforms

- 1980s: Economic Crisis and Structural Adjustment Programs: Reduced funding for education and led to teacher shortages and declining quality.
- 1989: Akiwumi Committee on Cost-Sharing in Education: Recommended cost-sharing measures to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis.
- 1990s: Education Reforms and Economic Recovery: Introduction of cost-sharing in public schools, expansion of private education, and implementation of new curriculum reforms.
- 2000: Free Primary Education Revisited: Introduction of a Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy to ensure free primary education for all.