Mass Protests and its Implications on Learning: A Case of Kenya

The statement made by H.E. Hon. Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition in Kenya, calling for a boycott of Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Radio Africa Media, particularly The Star Newspaper, has significant implications for schools and learning in Kenya. As an educator, here is my view:

Firstly, these corporations play a critical role in the education sector in Kenya. Safaricom, for instance, has been instrumental in providing affordable internet connectivity to schools, especially in rural areas. This move has facilitated e-learning and online learning programs, which have become the norm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A boycott of Safaricom could, therefore, disrupt the progress made in the education sector, leading to poor learning outcomes for students.

Secondly, KCB is one of the leading providers of education loans in Kenya. The bank has supported many students in paying for their tuition fees and other education-related expenses. A boycott of KCB could lead to a reduction in the number of students able to access education loans, hindering their education journey.

Thirdly, The Star Newspaper is a significant source of information for students and teachers in Kenya. The newspaper provides information on education policy, career opportunities, current trends and learning resources. A boycott of The Star Newspaper could deprive students and teachers of this valuable resource, leading to a knowledge gap.

Furthermore, the mass action staged by the opposition every Monday and Thursday could lead to a disruption of learning activities in schools. These disruptions could lead to a loss of instructional time and ultimately affect the learning outcomes of students.

There is no doubt that the mass protests and boycott called for by Odinga could have far-reaching implications for schools and learning in Kenya. It is, therefore, essential for all stakeholders especially the President of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto and Odinga to engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution to the current political impasse without disrupting the education sector. They must work together to ensure that the education sector is not disrupted by the current political impasse. 

I would recommend that the opposition and the government prioritize the education sector by ensuring that learning activities in schools are not disrupted, and that students continue to access the necessary resources for their learning journey. Only then can Kenya move forward and ensure that the education sector continues to thrive. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 21, 2023 at 8:36 PM

    I love your opinion about this emerging issue. In addition to what you have said, if the education sector is interrupted, Kenya will be pushed back several steps hence no progress. Reason being that education sector is the central factor of Kenya's progress. What are the implementation of our children not accessing adequate learning:
    1. Will experience mass school dropouts
    2. Involvement to drug abuse
    3. Increment of drug abusers
    4. The poor will continue being poor and the rich will continue being rich.

    Remember, it's only the common man who will be affected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Edward AligulaMarch 21, 2023 at 10:04 PM

      Thank you for the great insights on this subject!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousMarch 23, 2023 at 1:59 AM

    I totally agree with your views on the implication of the mass action on Education. Our leaders need to take a quick action.

    ReplyDelete

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