Isiolo, Kenya| Education stakeholders in Isiolo County gathered for a pivotal Secondary Schools Stakeholders Meeting, where key issues affecting the county’s education system were discussed, and strategies for improvement were outlined.
The event, graced by Isiolo County Women Representative Mumina Bonaya as the chief guest, provided a platform for leaders, educators, and policymakers to reflect on the progress made and deliberate on solutions to persistent challenges.
Drawing from her background as an educator, Bonaya highlighted the disparities in academic performance between Isiolo County and top-performing schools in Kenya.
Having taught at prestigious institutions such as Nairobi School and Pangani Girls, she acknowledged the stark contrast in university transition rates but expressed optimism about the county’s gradual improvement.
“As a pastoralist, I have witnessed firsthand how education transforms families. I firmly believe that education is the most promising vehicle for economic emancipation in Isiolo. The investments we make in our youth today will shape a more secure and prosperous future for our county,” she emphasized.
Bonaya also reflected on her tenure as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Education under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
During her time in office, she was actively involved in addressing national education challenges, including limited access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and minimal community involvement in schools—issues that were particularly pronounced in Isiolo County.
Since then, local education stakeholders have embarked on a deliberate and strategic journey to address systemic problems hindering academic performance.
The collective efforts are now yielding tangible results, as reflected in the county’s latest academic achievements:
- 518 students scored C+ and above, qualifying for direct university entry—a 26% transition rate, surpassing the national average of 21%.
- 795 students attained C plain or C-, making them eligible for diploma courses and preparing them to contribute significantly to Kenya’s blue economy.
- Overall, 65.4% of Isiolo students secured spots in either universities or diploma colleges, marking a commendable improvement in transition rates.
During the forum, participants reaffirmed that education should not only be a policy priority but also a moral obligation for leaders and stakeholders.
The discussions centered on actionable solutions to enhance access, infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and community participation in schools.
“We leave this forum with a renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation. Our children are counting on us, and we must not fail them,” Bonaya concluded.
She also extended her gratitude to Isiolo Governor Guyo Abdi Ibrahim, North Isiolo MP Samal Lomwa, and other partners for their leadership, support, and contribution in making the event a success.
As Isiolo continues to navigate its educational transformation, the resolve demonstrated by its leaders and stakeholders signals a promising future for the county’s learners.
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