By Dishon Amanya – Bungoma
Education stakeholders gathered at Elegant Hotel in Bungoma to address the persistent barriers preventing children—particularly adolescent girls—from accessing quality education. The dialogue, organized by the Elimu Yetu Coalition, brought together representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and other key players in the education sector.
A central concern was the numerous challenges facing adolescent girls in Bungoma, including early pregnancies, child marriages, and school dropouts. Stakeholders acknowledged the critical role of parental engagement in addressing these issues.
“Awareness-raising among parents is critical. If communities are not aware, then we will be fighting a losing battle,” said Reverend Johnstone Nyongasa, a member of the county education network.
Efforts by both national and county governments—such as infrastructure development, teacher training, and scholarships—were acknowledged. However, gaps remain, especially in Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs), where young mothers struggle to continue their education due to a lack of childcare facilities.
Beyond social barriers, the meeting also emphasized the need for strong policy implementation at the county level. While policies addressing these challenges are under development, participants called for greater political support to ensure they are passed and enacted effectively.
The Push for STEM and Compulsory Mathematics
While social challenges were a key focus, stakeholders also highlighted the future of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. With calls for increased investment and prioritization, the discussion emphasized STEM’s role in driving innovation and economic growth.
The Elimu Yetu Coalition’s National Coordinator reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to ensuring that all children receive an education that prepares them for the future.
“STEM subjects are critical in today’s world, and we need to ensure that learners have access to quality education in these fields,” they stated.
However, while STEM prioritization was widely supported, stakeholders stressed the need for a balanced approach that also values social sciences, arts, and technical skills.
A heated debate emerged around Mathematics as a compulsory subject. CSOs strongly advocated for maintaining its compulsory status, arguing that it is essential for problem-solving, logical reasoning, and career opportunities.
“Mathematics is a foundational subject that prepares learners for diverse career paths, not just in STEM but also in finance, business, and even social sciences,” said the Elimu Yetu Coalition National Coordinator.
While some expressed concerns that compulsory Mathematics might pose challenges for some learners, the consensus was that improving the quality of instruction and providing additional support would be a better solution than making the subject optional.
Way Forward
As discussions concluded, stakeholders emphasized the need for infrastructural support, increased parental engagement, and stronger policy implementation to address education barriers in Bungoma County.
Moving forward, the debate on STEM prioritization and the compulsory status of Mathematics will remain a key issue shaping future education policies.
