By Eddah Waithaka
Education advocates and human rights defenders are demanding the government halt the growing privatization of Kenya’s education system, warning it sells out children’s futures and deepens inequality.
The East African Centre for Human Rights (EachRights) spearheaded the call during a press conference in Nairobi, uniting teachers, parents, and policy experts who argue commercial interests are undermining the constitutional right to quality, free education for every child.
“Education is a basic human right, not a product for sale,” declared a representative from EachRights. “When we treat it as a business, we slam the door on millions of children.”
The forum highlighted how the rapid expansion of private and low-cost private schools creates a two-tiered system.
They argued this prices out poor families and widens the social gap, leaving children from disadvantaged backgrounds behind.
Elimu Bora Working Group Policy Advisor Boaz Waruku echoed the urgent message.
“A dangerous trend is treating our children’s minds as a profit center,” Waruku stated. “The government must take strong measures to strengthen public education, fund schools adequately, and ensure every child learns in dignity.”
Participants pressed the Ministry of Education to tightly regulate private providers and to channel public funds into strengthening state schools by improving infrastructure, hiring more qualified teachers, and supplying essential learning materials.
“Public education forms the backbone of our nation’s progress,” one stakeholder asserted. “Investing in it builds a fairer society where every child can succeed.”
EachRights confirmed this press briefing kicks off a broader campaign to push for policies that protect education as a public good, a right guaranteed by Kenya’s Constitution.
“Education is not for sale,” the organization concluded. “It is a right that should unite us all in ensuring no child gets left behind.” The group pledged to continue collaborating with partners to advocate for an inclusive and equitable system for all Kenyan children.
