Government Calls on Private Sector to Boost Education, Reassures Parents on School Safety

The government has called on private investors to play a bigger role in expanding education opportunities, while reassuring parents that the safety of children in schools remains a top priority.

Speaking on Saturday during an academic clinic for Grade 10 students at Pioneer School in Murang’a, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said private sector participation is crucial in giving parents more options for their children and helping ease pressure on public schools.

“I want to encourage other partners and investors to build more schools because the government is keen on private investment in education,” Bitok said. “With over 18,000 private schools in the country, there is a growing opportunity to reach more learners.”

Bitok emphasized the need for collaboration between all stakeholders in education, including the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and schools themselves. He directed all schools, from primary to TVETs and universities, to register under the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), which will serve as a central platform to coordinate resources and information.

He warned that capitation funds for the third term will only be disbursed to institutions registered in the system.

Amid rising cases of school unrest, Bitok reassured parents that the government has launched a nationwide audit to ensure all schools comply with safety standards. Over a thousand quality assurance officers have been deployed across the country to monitor compliance and support schools in maintaining a safe learning environment.

“Dialogue between students and school administrations is key to preventing unrest,” Bitok said, noting that only a few schools have been affected and that the academic calendar will remain on track.

Teachers at Pioneer School, including J. Ananda and Stanley Kinyanjui, urged parents to continue investing in their children’s education, calling it one of the most valuable lifelong assets. They also encouraged students to stay disciplined and focused, stressing that dedication and responsibility are critical to academic success.

The message was clear: education is a shared responsibility, and by working together—government, private sector, parents, and teachers—Kenya can ensure that learners not only excel academically but also grow up in safe, supportive environments.