President William Ruto has announced the construction of 1,600 modern laboratories across the country starting this month.
In his speech delivered by the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba at Mangu High School, Ruto noted that the initiative will ensure schools are properly equipped, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Beginning this month, we are also constructing 1,600 modern laboratories across the country to ensure our schools are properly equipped, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” read part of the speech delivered during Mang’u’s centenary celebrations.
In addition, the President noted that, in support of education, the government has constructed more than 23,000 classrooms nationwide.
“Through the Ministry of Education and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, the Government has constructed more than 23,000 classrooms nationwide.”
Ruto’s Investment in Infrastructure and Teacher Development
President Ruto further outlined a comprehensive plan to strengthen Kenya’s education sector by investing sustainably in infrastructure, recruiting teachers, and implementing reforms to make education future-ready.
“Across the country, we are strengthening education through sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and far-reaching reforms.”
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The President said 100,000 teachers have been recruited and deployed over the last three years, with 24,000 joining in January alone, while nearly 400,000 teachers across primary and secondary schools have undergone retraining to improve teaching quality.
These measures, he added, along with increased research funding and a growing education budget, are central to ensuring every child has access to quality learning and preparing Kenya to achieve first-world status within the nation’s lifetime.
“That is why we have identified education as a central pillar in our ambition to elevate Kenya to first-world status within our lifetime,” said Ruto.
Government’s Education Reforms and Support for Students
Further, Ruto praised the role of faith-based organizations and schools in shaping generations of Kenyans.
He also acknowledged the contribution of teachers and non-teaching staff in nurturing talent, building character, and preparing students for leadership roles in society.
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Ruto further said several reforms were needed to improve the education sector, including:
- Scaling national research funding to 2% of GDP to support knowledge, innovation, and discovery.
- Introducing a student-centered funding model in higher education to ensure equitable support based on merit and need.
- Ensuring timely disbursement of capitation for basic education, to allow schools to operate smoothly at the start of the term.
- Aligning the school calendar with the financial year to prevent delays in education delivery.
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