Education Stakeholders’ Forum Held in Isiolo County.

Education stakeholders in Isiolo County convened  for a forum aimed at improving the education sector. The forum, themed “Bridging Gaps, Inspiring Minds a Collective Journey in Isiolo’s Education,” focused on discussing strategies to enhance academic performance and address key challenges in the county’s education system.

The event followed a notable improvement in last year’s examination results compared to previous years. The forum was initiated by the Isiolo County Governor’s office in collaboration with other local leaders to ensure continued academic progress.

Sheikh Amed Set of Isiolo interfaith Network emphasized the importance of instilling good morals in children alongside academic performance. “We should not only focus on our children’s academic achievements but also teach them good morals,” he said.

 He condemned drug and substance abuse, calling on parents and teachers to serve as positive role models.

An analysis of last year’s examination results indicated a significant improvement, with a positive index of 0.79. The mean score rose from 4.64 in 2023 to 5.43 in 2024, reflecting better overall performance.

 A total of 1,992 candidates registered for the 2024 examinations across all sub-counties in Isiolo. Additionally, 26% of the candidates achieved the minimum university entry grade, marking a notable increase from previous years.

Enrollment numbers have also grown steadily since2019, which was 1424 highlighting the county’s commitment to expanding access to education.

Isiolo Girls National School ranked third among the top five schools in the region, achieving a mean grade of 6.86. In the category of most improved schools, Garissa Mixed Secondary School led with a mean score of 6.13, a substantial increase from 3.13 in 2023, reflecting a positive deviation of 3.00 points.

However, the performance in key subjects, including languages, mathematics, and sciences, remained below average, a concern raised by stakeholders.

 Participants called for increased efforts to improve these subjects, recognizing their critical role in shaping students’ future careers.

The chief guest, Hon. Mumina Bonaya, Isiolo County’s Women Representative, underscored the constitutional right of every child to access quality education.

She addressed the teacher shortage, particularly in Junior Secondary Schools, and promised to push for solutions, especially in remote areas where this is a great challenge.

Hon. Bonaya also raised concerns about student safety in conflict-prone regions and assured stakeholders that she would advocate for improved school infrastructure, digital learning resources, and libraries.

She promised to present the issue of hardship allowances for teachers to Parliament for further deliberation.

On the rising cases of teenage pregnancies and substance abuse, she called for stricter measures from local authorities, including chiefs and other community leaders.

 She also advocated for regular sensitization programs in schools and communities to combat drug abuse and prevent its negative impact on education.

Addressing the issue of electricity in schools, Hon. Bonaya pledged to work with relevant offices to ensure all schools are connected to the power grid, facilitating seamless learning.

She also announced plans to establish a special secondary school in Isiolo County, recognizing the need to cater to students with special educational needs.

To reward academic excellence, she revealed that a prize-giving ceremony for outstanding students and teachers will be held in July to motivate better performance.

Akaale John Bosko, the Isiolo KESSHA Chairperson and Principal of Elsa Secondary School, highlighted the issue of inadequate capitation funds. He noted that schools received 25% instead of the expected 50%, creating challenges in administration and day-to-day operations in schools.

Caroline Mugo, the County Director of Education, said that the primary focus is to improve learning outcomes across Isiolo. She confirmed that 82 public schools in the county have constructed Junior Secondary School classrooms, ensuring a smooth transition to Grade Nine.

She also assured stakeholders that preparations are underway to facilitate a seamless progression to Grade Ten, as the Ministry of Education finalizes guidelines for the next phase of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The forum brought together school principals, representatives from KNUT and KUPPET, Ministry of Education officials, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) staff, parents, community members, and education sector partners. The collective efforts discussed aim to sustain and further the progress in Isiolo’s education system.