NEVER TOO OLD? An adult student with other pupils at Aitong Primary School in Narok county on January 25, 2012.Photo/File
NEW learners above age 18 shall not be admitted in regular primary or secondary schools, according to new proposed basic education regulations.
The Ministry of Education, however, said that learners above 18 who are already in primary and secondary would be allowed to finish school.
Acting Education Secretary Leah Rotich said: “Students admitted before regulations come into effect will not be removed from schools. They will be allowed to finish school.”
The regulations, still under review by education stakeholders, propose that “persons above the age of 18 shall be admitted to institutions of alternative basic, adult and continuing education”.
The introduction of the free primary education programme in 2003 saw Kimani Maruge, 84, invited to enroll as a Standard One pupil in 2004.
At Kapkenduiywo Primary School, Eldoret, Maruge, who died in 2009, had his education disrupted by the post-election violence crisis.
He could not continue with his education and was forced to relocate a senior citizens' home in Nairobi.
The late Murage holds the Guinness Book of World Records' record for being the oldest person to start primary education.
As to where adults will attend school, the regulations explain that, “they may utilize the facilities of existing institutions of basic education or other public and private institutions or premises”.
Rotich said, "as we move towards total free primary and day secondary education , only learners under the age of 18 shall be eligible for grants under the free and compulsory education programs".
Rotich added: “If the proposed regulations are accepted the government would allocate separate funds for adult education in all counties”.
Learners may be provided with incentives such as learning and teaching materials to enhance access, retention and completion rates.
There would also be an adult curriculum approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development in all institutions of alternative basic, adult and continuing education .
Learners' admission to adult education institutions will depend on one's prior ability, knowledge and competencies to determine placement at an appropriate level of education, the regulations indicate.
Learning would also be speeded up to cover curriculum as well as institutions charging levies as approved by the Cabinet Secretary in consultation with the County Education Board.
Director for Adult and Continuing Education Irreneous Kinara said people who, for whatever reason, did not attend primary school have the chance to learn reading, writing and arithmetic in adult education classes.
The regulations also state all institutions of basic education and training will have counseling services as an essential corrective measure.
All guidance programmes and counseling services shall be provided by persons with proven experience, knowledge and interest in a learner's holistic development.
The regulations are expected to be ready by the end of the month.
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