Keep off education matters, MKU Chancellor Gaitho tell politicians

BY LAWRENCE ONGARO

Politicians have been advised to keep off education matters, amid growing uncertainty over the future of learning.

Mount Kenya University Pro-Chancellor Dr Vincent Gaitho issued the remarks over the weekend saying that education sector does not lack direction but already has its own experts.

“The education sector has no vacuum; it has its professionals. These include scholars, students, parents, private-sector stakeholders, investors and government officials. Politicians should only make minimal contributions,” Dr Gaitho explained.

Dr Gaitho, who is also the Chairperson of the Mount Kenya University Council and the Chair of the Kenya Private Schools Association (KEPSA) education boards across various institutions, said education requires a calm and stable environment.

‘Give room to professionals’

“Some of us from the Mt Kenya region studied at the Coast, in the Rift Valley and in Western Kenya,” he said, adding that learning thrives in peaceful surroundings, not noisy and politicised spaces.

He emphasised that politicians should allow professionals to run education affairs.

Recently, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua weighed in on the matter, sparking national debate.

Mr Gachagua criticised the practice of sending students far from their homes, saying it places undue strain on learners and parents, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

He also questioned the student placement process, noting that it is conducted at Jogoo House in Nairobi, which he said raises concerns about discrimination.

“If a student is sent to study 300 kilometres away from home in a day school, will they truly concentrate on learning, or will that amount to suffering?” Mr Gachagua posed at the time.

University expansion and access to education

Dr Gaitho highlighted how Mount Kenya University has expanded by opening campuses across the country and even in neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda. He described education as a key driver of self-development, noting that every student should have the opportunity to study anywhere in the country.

However, he said county governments must invest more in education by building schools and equipping them adequately.

He pointed out that one of the current challenges is the high number of students eligible to join secondary schools, while many parents are struggling to afford basic requirements such as uniforms and school fees.

“The government should release education funds on time so that schools can use them as intended. Often, school heads are forced to clear previous debts with these funds. It would be better if the money is disbursed promptly,” Dr Gaitho said.

Hailed Ndindi Nyoro

He commended Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro for his firm and effective use of National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) resources in his constituency.

Dr Gaitho also praised the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system compared to the former 8-4-4 system, noting that CBE places strong emphasis on science, technology and sports.

At the same time, he condemned the alleged assault of innocent youths by police officers while they were playing pool in Nandi County.

“The youths were simply enjoying themselves and did not deserve to be harassed without any wrongdoing,” Dr Gaitho said.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since said investigations into the incident are underway. The incident was also condemned by Embakasi MP Babu Owino, who called for disciplinary action against the officers involved.

Dr Gaitho further proposed dialogue between book publishers and the government over the distribution of learning materials, saying such issues should be resolved through consultation and consensus rather than intimidation within the education sector.