President Ruto says 5,000 Secondary Schools Lack University Pathways

President William Ruto has drawn attention to a disheartening reality in Kenya’s education system, revealing that 5,000 out of the 11,000 secondary schools in the country fail to send even a single child to the university.

Speaking at the awarding of a charter to the Open University of Kenya in Makueni County, Ruto emphasized that the majority of these schools are situated in rural areas, highlighting the educational disparities that persist in such regions.

Expressing concern over the prevailing situation, the President pointed out that a significant number of university students come from well-to-do families and privileged academies, who can easily afford higher education. This leaves children from vulnerable backgrounds with limited access to university opportunities.

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To address this issue and promote a more inclusive higher education system, President Ruto advocated for a significant increase in scholarships for children from vulnerable families. He firmly emphasized the need to break the pattern where only a select few Kenyan students have the privilege of pursuing higher education.

The Open University of Kenya sets a unique path to affordable, inclusive and equitable education

Describing the Open University of Kenya as the “people’s university” in his candid opinion, Ruto praised the power of remote learning and digitization. He encouraged individuals from all walks of life, including bodaboda operators, mama mbogas, and touts, to embrace the opportunity for professional training in various fields and eventual graduation from the university. The President emphasized the importance of offering equal opportunities to all citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances.

The alarming revelation made by President Ruto sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education sector. The lack of university representation from thousands of secondary schools calls for a concerted effort to ensure equal access to quality higher education throughout the country.

As the Open University of Kenya receives its charter, there is hope that it will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the education landscape. President William Ruto’s call for increased scholarships and a more inclusive approach to education resonates as a crucial step towards building a more equitable and promising future for all Kenyan students.