Eldoret: The administration of Hill School in Uasin Gishu County has taken a significant step in preparing young learners for future civic engagement by training them on the electoral process as conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The initiative is part of an effort to embed democratic values and practices within the competency-based curriculum.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training aimed to familiarize learners with the electoral process and empower them to exercise their democratic rights in the future. During the exercise, students participated in a mock election, casting their votes to elect student leaders for various roles within the school. This hands-on experience was facilitated by teachers and IEBC officials, ensuring that learners gained a practical understanding of the key components of civic education.
Teachers at Hill School praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to prepare students for participation in national elections. The school’s principal, Naftali Mibei, described the program as a form of civic education, emphasizing the importance of exposing learners to democratic practices at an early age. Mibei encouraged other schools across the country to adopt similar models to nurture future leaders.
The selection of student leaders was based on various criteria, including academic performance, discipline, and popularity among peers. Mibei noted that the exercise was not only about winning or losing but also about understanding the democratic process. He stressed the importance of this learning experience, stating that it is crucial for students to realize that leadership roles can change and that there is no opposition at this level.
Junior Secondary School teacher Folziah Chepkirui pointed out that the exercise aligns with the social studies syllabus, which covers topics on democracy. She emphasized that early exposure to the electoral process would benefit learners, especially as Kenya prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Deputy Chairman of the Hill School Election Commission, Vidija Jadizu, argued for the inclusion of civic education in the primary school curriculum. He highlighted its role in transforming the narrative of Kenyan elections by bridging the gap between basic voter awareness and meaningful democratic participation. Jadizu stressed that civic education equips citizens with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to sustain a healthy democracy.
