Teachers Oppose Education Devolution!

 

A contentious debate over Kenya’s education system erupted this afternoon, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, as teachers’ unions firmly rejected a proposal by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to devolve primary and secondary education to county governments. The announcement, made at 1:37 PM East Africa Time during a press conference at the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) headquarters in Nairobi, follows Odinga’s recent call to the Executive and Legislature to initiate measures transferring management of basic education—from Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) to secondary levels—to governors. The unions warned that such a move would undermine the quality of education across the country, sparking a heated exchange that has divided opinions. "Devolving the entire system risks chaos and a drop in standards," KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said, addressing a room of journalists and educators. The news has ignited a nationwide conversation, blending concerns over governance with fears for educational outcomes.

Odinga’s proposal, aired during a public address in Mombasa last week, argues that devolving education would align with the 2010 Constitution’s devolution framework, placing management closer to communities and reducing central government bureaucracy. He envisioned counties overseeing teacher recruitment, school infrastructure, and curriculum implementation, with ECDE already under county control since 2013 serving as a model. However, teachers’ unions, including KNUT and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), countered that the current national system, managed by the Ministry of Education, ensures uniformity and accountability. A teacher in Kisumu, grading papers after a long day, remarked, "Counties can’t handle this; we’ve seen their struggles with ECDE." 

Public response has been a mix of support for Odinga’s intent and alignment with the unions’ caution. In Mombasa, a fisherman mending nets caught the news on a community radio and said, "Local control might help if funds are there." The proposal comes amid a Sh10 trillion national debt and 5.5% inflation, with education budgets strained by teacher shortages and classroom deficits—over 100,000 teachers serve 12 million learners. Unions highlighted that devolution could lead to disparities, with wealthier counties excelling while poorer ones lag. A youth leader in Naivasha, organizing a parent-teacher meeting, added, "Quality must come first; we can’t risk our children’s future." The debate tests devolution’s limits. 

The afternoon’s rejection drew diverse reactions. In Thika, a mother preparing lunch for her children said, "My son’s school needs better management, but not like this." In Baringo, a herder tending cattle noted, "Counties might favor their own; the unions are right." Odinga’s plan proposed a phased transition, starting with secondary schools, but unions pointed to ECDE’s inconsistent funding and teacher welfare issues as evidence of county mismanagement. KNUT cited a 2023 audit showing 40% of ECDE facilities lacked adequate resources. A driver in Garissa, fueling his matatu, remarked, "Teachers know the ground; we should listen." The opposition highlights governance concerns. 

As the day progressed, the story reached remote areas. In Marsabit, a community elder listening to a radio update said, "Our schools need help, but not this way." In Mombasa’s markets, a vendor packing fish asked, "Will counties have the money for this?" The unions proposed strengthening the current system through increased funding and teacher hiring—over 60,000 vacancies exist—rather than a full devolution. Odinga’s office defended the idea, suggesting counties could tap devolved funds, but critics argue the Sh370 billion annual education budget is already overstretched. A shopkeeper in Homa Bay, preparing for the Devolution Conference, noted, "This could divide education if not handled well." The clash reflects policy divides. 

The afternoon brought a reflective mood to offices and homes. In Eldoret, a public servant preparing a report said, "Devolution sounds good, but execution is key." In Kisumu, a father checking on his family added, "My daughter’s school struggles; local control might worsen it." The Ministry of Education, yet to respond formally, faces pressure to address the 1:60 teacher-pupil ratio, far above the recommended 1:40. Unions fear devolution could fragment the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout, now in its fourth year. A community organizer in Turkana, planning a radio talk, remarked, "We need unity in education, not experiments." The rejection tests policy coherence. 

Experts see a complex issue. In Nairobi, an education consultant discussing over tea said, "Devolution could work with proper funding, but not now." The 2010 Constitution devolved 14 functions to counties, but education remains a national mandate, with ECDE as an exception. A vendor in Timau, closing his stall, said, "Let’s fix what we have first." Odinga’s proposal aligns with his Azimio coalition’s push for deeper devolution, yet unions cite data showing 30% of county budgets are unaccounted for. A father in Nyahururu, walking home with his family, added, "Teachers are right; quality can’t be compromised." The debate marks a policy crossroads. 

The day saw continued engagement across the country. In Nakuru, a group at a market debated the news. "Can counties manage schools?" one trader asked, sorting vegetables. In Nairobi’s cyber cafes, a student scrolling through updates noted, "Social media is divided on this." KNUT plans a national strike vote if the proposal advances, while Odinga’s team prepares a counter-strategy. A youth leader in Kitale, organizing an event, reflected, "This needs dialogue, not division." As the issue unfolds, its resolution will shape Kenya’s education future.