Business Daily (Nairobi)
26 May 2008
editorial
Nairobi — This paper has consistently argued about the need for Kenya to have a strong education system.
This is so because without a good education, the country will achieve little else meaningful.
It cannot be gainsaid that the single most important key to development and poverty alleviation is education, and not just any kind of education, but good meaningful education that will help us tackle the challenges of the new world.
Therefore, reports indicating that a section of publishers are raising red flags over the alleged misappropriation of Sh5 billion for the supply of text books should immediately and conclusively be looked into and thoroughly investigated.
If indeed it is true that Sh5 billion meant for education sector has been fleeced, the full wrath of the law should ascend on the culprits for there can be no greater enemy of Kenya's prosperity than those who try to destroy our very own future.
Officials from the Ministry of Education, together with officials from the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC), should immediately join forces and get to the bottom of these damming allegations.
Giving priority to primary education does not compete with other sectors, it supports their development.
A well educated population is of crucial importance for Kenya if we are to take advantage of market opportunities, wanting to export or attract foreign investment.
Free market access is important but what do you do with it if your country has no competitive enterprises because its population could not get access to the best books because a selfish few siphoned money earmarked for buying the books?
These allegations should be seriously investigated and the truth of the matter established.
The quality of education of this country cannot be undermined by a crooked few, and while the free primary education initiative was bold and welcoming, it will achieve little if books are not availed to the children due to misappropriation of funds meant to buy the books.
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