Development of education in Kenya: influence of political factor beyond 2015 MDGS

Abstract

This paper provides a critical appraisal of development of education system in Kenya. Education of any country is an important tool for the developmental process of that particular nation. There are various factors that influence national systems of education. They range from social, economical, technological to political influences. In this article, a critical examination of these factors that have influenced Kenya’s education system in both colonial and post-colonial period will be made. The paper however, specifically examined political influence of Kenyan education system and its implications for national development. Kenya, like any other country of the world is controlled by politics. Kenya’s education system is mostly influenced by the political factor. The political factor dictates the type of an education system a particular country can have. It is important in determining administration of education. Subsequently the influence of political factor is critical for educational policy formulation, adoption and implementation. The paper further analyses education commissions constituted politically to influence the education system. Their influence on educational policies was assessed. The study adopted historical design in reviewing educational development in Kenya and the subsequent influence of political factor on education. This paper is significant to the field of comparative and International education, since it provides data on what the Kenyan government is doing in promoting the development of education. . The policy planners would understand and appreciate education policies within which they are supposed to operate in providing effective leadership and management practices in the development of education. In order for education to foster development, this article recommends the need to separate educational policies from national politics, clear stipulation of educational policies and their role in national development and a sound implementation of educational reforms.