Nairobi: The government has reiterated its commitment to nurturing artistic talent and encouraging youth participation in creative expression, as outlined in the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda Plan. However, government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura noted that the artistic creativity in school environments will only be done within the parameters of clearly defined rules and regulations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government has taken note of recent developments in the education sector, namely the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, particularly the regrettable incident involving Butere Girls High School students, the unlawful withholding of national examination certificates by certain school principals, and the progress on reforms to the university funding model.
'The conduct witnessed in the run-up to the planned performance involving Butere Girls High School students during the Kenya National Drama festivals was a regrettable incident that was not only irregular, but posed a serious threat to the integrity of school-based co-curricular activities,' Mwaura noted.
The spokesperson said the government has fully deliberated on Butere Girls High School play 'Echoes of War' and considers it serious enough to warrant a comprehensive review of the circumstances that led to the disruption. Mwaura stated that the government will not allow the introduction of unapproved individuals, including those outside the teaching profession, into school-based co-curricular activities, terming it a violation of both Ministry regulations and the Teachers Service Commission Code of Conduct.
The rules governing the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival clearly state that all performances must adhere to adjudicated scripts, and all training of students must be conducted strictly by registered teachers or accredited instructors affiliated with recognized education institutions.
He mentioned that following the Butere Girls incident, the Ministry of Education has not taken any disciplinary action against the school's management as the matter is still under investigation. Mwaura emphasized that schools are safe spaces for learning, creativity, and character formation, and not platforms for provocation, adding that the Ministry of Education shall ensure full compliance with festival rules, and will conduct a thorough review of the regulations to prevent any repeat of such occurrences.
'The government remains clear that Kenyan schools are not arenas for political experimentation, nor shall our children be used as instruments in political ideological contests,' said Mwaura.
Regarding the national examination certificates, Mwaura noted that the government is aware that some school heads continue to unlawfully withhold certificates from students over fees-related issues, which he noted is illegal since the certificate is the property of the learner. 'Denying any student access to their academic credentials undermines the very foundation of our education system and compromises the rights of the child,' stressed the spokesperson, adding that stern actions will be taken against school principals who continue to defy the directive.
All County Directors of Education have been directed to compile and submit a report within 14 days on the status of uncollected certificates. Mwaura said the government is committed to reforming the university funding model in line with recent court rulings, and assured that public participation will be conducted across the country to ensure the revised model reflects the needs and aspirations of Kenyan families.
He affirmed that a comprehensive report on the funding that was being prepared is already complete and will guide the next phase of engagement and implementation in order to deliver a university funding model that is transparent, fair, and sustainable.