Nairobi: Busia County has 1,607 registered adult learners enrolled in 68 adult education centres, with the programme recording an improvement in the performance of learners sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
According to Kenya News Agency, County Director of Adult Education Ann Munyesi said 833 of the registered learners attend classes daily, supported by 16 instructors and 70 volunteers across the county. Speaking during celebrations to mark International Literacy Day at Nang’oma Chief’s Camp in Matayos Sub-county, Munyesi said 43 learners had successfully completed the literacy proficiency examination and were awarded certificates that could improve their chances of securing employment. “These certificates are recognised by institutions and can help our learners access employment opportunities,” she said.
The director said four adult education centres in the county offer secondary education, providing learners with an opportunity to continue with their studies after completing basic and post-literacy education. “Last year we had 106 adult learners who sat for the KCSE examination and attained a mean score of 2.88. This was an improvement of 0.67 points from the previous year when 64 learners sat for the examination,” she said.
Munyesi called on more members of the public who did not get an opportunity to attend formal schooling to enroll in adult education centres to acquire knowledge and skills. She noted that women continued to dominate basic and post-literacy classes, while men were more represented in secondary education. “Let us embrace adult education and continue with our studies up to the highest levels, including university and PhD,” she said.
Matayos Sub-County Assistant County Commissioner Julius Ruto also urged adults who did not attend school to enroll in the programme, saying literacy had become increasingly important in a digital society. “We are living in a digital world that requires us to have knowledge. Let us encourage those who are at home to come and join this education,” Ruto said.
He also encouraged youth who were out of school to enroll in technical and vocational education and training institutions to acquire skills that could enable them to benefit from emerging employment opportunities at the Nasewa County Aggregation and Industrial Park and the Export Processing Zone once they become operational. Ruto further urged village elders who had not attended school to take advantage of adult education, saying literacy could improve their ability to perform their responsibilities.
He said educational qualifications could also give applicants an advantage when competing for emerging village management positions. “Having adult education will give you an upper hand when the time comes. It will show that you have the ability to read and write, which will help you give precise information and report security issues in your area,” he said.
Ruto attributed the failure of some reported cases to progress to a lack of knowledge among members of the public, particularly when they fail to record statements with the authorities. “When you report a case and fail to record a statement, that case fails to proceed,” he said.
He called for land-related issues to be incorporated into adult education lessons in the area, noting that land disputes were among the challenges facing residents. “We have land challenges in this area, and I would recommend that land matters be included in this education so that our people can be educated on land issues, which will in turn help reduce the increasing number of land-related cases,” he said.
Adult learners who received certificates expressed satisfaction with the programme, saying the qualifications had improved their confidence and could open doors to employment opportunities. Jacinta Ajiambo, an adult learner from Budalangi, said the programme had enabled her to acquire basic literacy skills. “I am happy because I have received a certificate after learning through adult education. I am now able to read and write. Through this certificate, I will be able to apply for jobs and have an opportunity to secure employment,” she said.
She encouraged adults who did not have an opportunity to attend school to enroll in adult education centres and acquire literacy skills. Her sentiments were echoed by Winny Mutanda, who said education had become essential in accessing employment opportunities. She urged more adults to take advantage of the available learning centres. “Today, getting a job without education is not easy. We have an opportunity, so let us go to the learning centres and gain knowledge so that, as adults, we can also be equipped with knowledge and academic papers,” she said.
