Implementation of Free Primary Education in Kenya

The declaration on education as a basic human right was articulated in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. Through this declaration UDHR proclaimed free and compulsory primary education, which led to the establishment of Education For All (EFA), being a global goal. Being a fundamental right free primary education fights against illiteracy, ignorance and diseases. Kenya has been committed to the pursuit of the EFA goal through the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Free Primary Education (FPE) since the 1970s. Kenya introduced FPE in two phases, which is in the year 1974; and in the year 2003. In both phases school fees in all public primary schools was abolished. This has led to increased access to primary education resulting to increase in enrolment to 8.3 million children by 2007.The success of implementing UPE and FPE initiatives was rooted in the total commitment and performance of the teacher. It is the teacher skill, creativity and attitude in the teaching/learning process that dictates the level of learner performance during curriculum implementation.

Autorentext

Dr. Rosemary Imonje is a lecturer teaching Curriculum Studies in the Department of Educational Administration and Planning; and in Distance Studies, at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Rosemary also teaches Education in Emergencies. Rosemary has a long teaching experience and career of 24 years, having taught at Kenya Technical Teachers'College.