Why are people paying for ‘free’ education in Kenya?
Many parents complain that they have to pay hidden fees and standards are low
Africa Daily · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
This weekend Mwai Kibaki - Kenya’s third president after independence - was buried amid great pomp and ceremony. He’s fondly remembered by many for his policy of introducing free primary education for all children. It rapidly led to 1.3 million more children entering schools. But nearly 20 years on, many parents say they have to pay hidden fees – and that the scheme actually lowered standards. Alan Kasujja speaks to parents and an education analyst to get their thoughts. “You can find classes of 100 pupils with one teacher…. It’s not free. Maybe we can say it’s subsidised but it’s not free.” Presenter: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Amos Kaburu (@kaburukitui) and parents Njeri Maina and Celestine Odiwuor.