Wajir: The government has reiterated its commitment to improving access to education, particularly for the girl child in marginalised areas of the country. Speaking during an education celebration event held at Diif in Wajir County, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei underscored the need to eliminate retrogressive cultural practices such as early marriages, which continue to hinder girls' education.
According to Kenya News Agency, Koskei, who was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Culture and Heritage Umi Bashir, appealed to parents and community leaders to abandon outdated traditions and instead embrace education as a tool for empowerment. 'We must do away with harmful practices like marrying off young girls for financial gain. Educating a girl is not only a personal triumph but a strong foundation for sustainable development across our communities,' said Koskei.
Koskei commended the teaching fraternity for their dedication and urged county leadership to institutionalise similar forums to appreciate academic efforts and motivate students. 'This is a significant day as we celebrate our children, teachers, and schools. Such ceremonies serve as motivation, especially for those who may have struggled academically, to work harder and succeed in the future,' he added.
On her part, PS Umi Bashir emphasised the importance of such events in motivating both students and teachers, encouraging the leadership of Wajir County to regularly host educational ceremonies and competitions. 'We believe that recognising outstanding students and teachers motivates them and encourages those who may have lagged behind to rise and pursue their dreams,' she said.
The leaders called on the Wajir community to partner with the government in transforming attitudes towards education, especially girls' education, as a critical step toward addressing developmental challenges in northeastern Kenya. The event, which brought together learners, teachers, and local leaders, featured various presentations, including a short play by students from a local secondary school, highlighting the transformative power of education.