The Uwezo fact-findings have revealed that the poor performance of KCPE candidates has been resulted due to poor foundation in literacy and numeracy.
Striking questions arises from different parts of our nation as to why this happens to our children.
Uwezo, initiative with an intention of rallying round citizens to discern the effect of poor performance, carries an annual assessment in the sampled enumeration areas within each district and communicates the findings to all citizens within East Africa through diverse selected different communication platforms for public to take action in learning.
The 2014 Uwezo report shows that children from less privileged households are being less likely to attend school and progress compared with children from well-to-do households.
This shows that provision of basic needs to pupils contribute to academic progress. Furthermore, 16% of children aged below 7 years in the North Eastern were unable to read letters due to poor basic knowledge and perhaps demographic factors. This makes a minute difference with Nairobi, which had 14%.
In 2011 Uwezo reports, which was disseminated after an intense data collection countywide, it was found that only 40% of children aged between 7 and 13 could read a class 2 story.
The question remains in the public: how the 60% will improve both in literacy and in numeracy. To worsen the situation, the 2014 findings indicate that the figure has reduced by 1% to 39%.
Because of all these differences, the KCPE results will still deteriorate, unless a serious action is taken.
Adam Wanjala
(Kakamega County)