Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses the public at a past function. Photo/ FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 30 – Prime Minister Raila Odinga now wants technical and engineering subjects included in the education curriculum from class five.
Odinga who spoke while presiding over the ground breaking ceremony at the Raila Educational Centre in Kibera, said that students need to be grounded in mathematics, science and technology early enough.
He maintained that the country’s production sector will solely rely on engineers with relevant skills.
Odinga was categorical that the education curriculum must further be improved in terms of quality and relevance.
The PM said: “It is important that education system shifts focus from schooling to learning while constantly assessing the outcomes especially at Early Childhood Education (ECD), primary and secondary levels…It is also important that students are given sufficient grounding at the foundation levels in mathematics, science and technology.”
The premier said despite the various legislations that are to be passed to institute reforms in the education sector, all other ministries must play part in improving the sector.
“We must make the improving of the quality of schools the responsibility of other ministries for example, ministry of energy on electrification, ministry of water to ensure that schools have access to clean drinking water, ministry of public health and sanitation to ensure that children have access to proper nutrition and hygiene,” he said adding that the private sector was also free to support the sector.
Legislation currently waiting to be passed by Parliament includes the Basic Education Bill, the University Bill both which outline reforms in access quality, relevance and equity in education.
The upgrading of the education centre in Kibera will be done in three phases and is expected to be completed in 2015.
The first phase will cover construction of 14 classrooms and students’ hostels while the second phase will cover the dining hall, library and four science laboratories.
The final phase of the construction will include faculty houses, a resource centre, the administration block and sports facilities.
Odinga said that the school is expected to embrace a technology-driven curriculum that will help cultivate an innovative culture among the students.
“This school here is envisioned to undertake learning on a Research, Innovation, Science, Engineering and Math (RISEM) model that allows students a holistic education while emphasising on technology,” said the PM.
He said that the government will work out formulas for increasing capitation for children and schools in arid areas and urban slums.
Odinga was accompanied by his wife Ida, Ministers Henry Kosgey, Franklin Bett, Wycliffe Oparanya, Assistant Minister Oburu Odinga, Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa and former Mumias Sugar Company CEO Evans Kidero.
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