Teachers' unions oppose Raila's proposal to devolve education

Teachers have rejected ODM leader Raila Odinga’s proposal to devolve primary and secondary education to county governments. Odinga recently urged the Executive and Legislature to initiate measures transferring management of basic education, from early childhood development education (ECDE) to secondary education, to governors.

However, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) have strongly opposed the proposal. Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori and Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu warned that devolving the entire basic education system would undermine the quality of education in Kenya.

Speaking during a fundraiser and free medical camp organised by Minet Kenya at Miyuga Mixed Secondary School in Karachuonyo Constituency, Misori argued that county governments lack the capacity to manage education effectively. He noted that many essential services and infrastructure devolved to counties have collapsed, citing ECDE’s poor performance in many counties due to mismanagement.

“The key services devolved to counties have failed. ECDE was meant to provide a strong foundation for our children, but this has not been realised even after nearly 10 years of devolution,” Misori said.

He also criticised the health sector’s devolution, saying counties have failed to employ sufficient health workers or equip facilities with necessary drugs.

“Some counties are well developed, while others are severely underdeveloped, which will kill education under devolution,” he said.

Oyuu echoed these concerns, stating, “If counties have failed to manage ECDE, how can they be entrusted with primary and secondary education?” He insisted education must remain a national government function. “Devolving education will ruin the lives of our children. Teachers are united in opposing any transfer of education responsibilities to county governments,” he declared.