8 percent of Standard 8 pupils can’t do Standard 3 work – report

Eight per cent of Standard 8 pupils in public schools across the country cannot do class work being done by their Standard three counterparts.

This is according a survey released Twaweza East Africa in their Sixth Uwezo Learning Assessment Report, which shows that schools in rural and semi arid areas are the most affected by poor learning.

According to Uwezo Kenya Country Manager Dr Emmanuel Manyasa, the teacher-student ratio in public schools is still wanting with only 12 teachers teaching per school with ten classrooms.

The report further indicates that Mandera and Garissa counties are the worst affected with a ratio of 6 teachers to 10 streams.

Dr Manyasa has, however, faulted the government for offering universal free education but ignoring the quality of education being offered, terming the learning trend in public schools worrying.

Also present was Education Ministry Representative Susan Njau, who said the assessment will help the Teachers Service Commission establish what is required by teachers to enable them provide quality education.