The illiteracy level in West Pokot County has prompted the County administration to roll out an adult education programme. According to the Ministry of Education statistics, the illiteracy level stands at 67%, and together with other factors like poverty, retrogressive practices like FGM and early marriages have increased. Between 20,000 and 40,000 adults have been enrolled in the programme, with classes lasting two hours from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Speaking during the launch of the adult education programme in Alale, North Pokot Sub County, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo urged the national government to devolve the adult education system, “We need the government to provide more funds for the system,” he said. He noted that there is a challenge for residents who migrate looking for water and pasture.
He said currently, classes are being conducted under trees but plans are underway to set up classrooms. He noted the County government’s efforts to boost education in the West Pokot, adding that the County government has employed 400 teachers, with the demand remaining high.
The Governor said there is a challenge with schools due to lack of infrastructure, “There is no investment in many primary and secondary schools despite the high demand for education. The students need books and pens,” he noted.
Mr. Jackson Madaa, an adult education mobilizer, said the program is progressing well, saying when it was rolled out, old people had an urge to learn new stuff. One of the students at Alale centre, Julius Moareng who is 50 years, said they’ve decided to go back to class to set the target of helping development in the region, “We need development and as a result, we need to know how to read and write,” he said.
Jackson Madah, a teacher, said elders in the region have welcomed the program and enrolled. Madah outlined the main aims why they’ve enrolled, including the fact that they want to know how to use smartphones, read the Bible and cast votes without assistance.