The government has noted a decrease in the number of learners enrolling for adult education in the country.
According to an economic survey report 2024, conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the enrolment for females in learning institutions reduced significantly compared to males.
The report has revealed a 9.5 per cent decrease, with enrolment falling from 138,628 in 2022 to 125,402 in 2023.
Female adult learners accounted for the largest percentage of the total enrolment in schools in the year under review at 63.1 per cent.
The report which is produced annually further indicates that Nairobi County recorded the highest number of adult education learners having recorded 11,811 students, Turkana County follows suit with 10,061 students, Nandi (4,909), Kitui (4,803), Mandera (4,648) and Migori had 2,887.
Makueni County on the other hand recorded the largest decline, with enrolment dropping sharply from 4,387 adult learners in 2022 to 832 in 2023.
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Several counties that recorded a drop in enrolment include; Wajir county where the number of adult learners decreased from 2,809 in 2022 to 1,946 in 2023. Isiolo County saw a reduction from 908 in 2022 to 759 in 2023. Consequently, Kilifi County experienced a significant decline, with enrolment dropping from 7,211 in 2022 to 2,443 in the year under review.
Also, Kwale County enrolment decreased from 2,296 in 2022 to 2,089 in 2023.
The Kenya Vision 2030 aims to achieve an 80 per cent adult literacy rate by expanding access, increasing participation in adult classes, improving programme quality, and promoting e-learning. Despite these efforts, challenges such as teacher shortages, lack of resources, and funding issues persist.
By Vostine Ratemo
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