Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education, revealing that nearly 30 percent of the national budget is now dedicated to the sector. Speaking at the 29th Patron’s Award Ceremony at Utumishi Boys Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, the PS detailed a massive three-year investment plan aimed at transforming Kenya’s human capital.
Infrastructure and Personnel Milestones
Dr. Omollo outlined several key achievements that have defined the government’s education agenda since 2023:
- Teacher Recruitment: The government has successfully recruited over 100,000 new teachers to address the long-standing deficit in schools.
- Classroom Expansion: More than 23,000 new classrooms have been constructed nationwide to accommodate the growing student population.
- CBC Streamlining: The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been refined to provide “greater clarity and stability” for learners and parents, moving past the initial implementation hurdles.
A Warning Against the “Menace” of Drug Abuse
Despite the positive academic trends, the PS issued a stern warning regarding the rise of drug and substance abuse among the youth. He described the trend as one of the most “acute threats” to Kenya’s future, urging students to be deliberate about their social circles.
“One of the biggest issues that we are struggling with is the issue of drug and substance abuse. Because of the great potential that you carry, please do not fall prey to drugs,” Dr. Omollo stated. He cautioned that involvement in drugs could “irreversibly derail” a student’s future and shut doors to national contribution.
Utumishi Boys Academy: A Success Story
The PS lauded the growth of Utumishi Boys Academy, which has expanded from fewer than 100 students to nearly 1,000. He attributed this success to a “tripartite collaboration” between school leadership, teachers, and parents.
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Dr. Omollo specifically commended:
- Teachers: For their role in mentoring and linking students to life-changing scholarships.
- Parents: Whom he urged to adopt a “collective responsibility” by supporting less fortunate learners facing financial and social hardships.
Final Charge to the Class of 2025
Addressing the current candidates, the PS expressed confidence in their upcoming national examinations. He encouraged them to maintain the discipline and focus necessary to excel, noting that their choices today would determine the trajectory of the country tomorrow.
This visit to Nakuru County follows a busy week for the Interior Ministry, with CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently launching the Enhanced Voter Registration drive and DP Kithure Kindiki closing the Ambassadors’ Conference in Nairobi. The government’s emphasis on “Whole-of-Society” development continues to be a central theme in these regional tours.
