In a country where the cost of living is skyrocketing, education is becoming an overwhelming financial burden for many Kenyan families. School fees, transport, uniforms, newly issued textbooks every year and additional levies continue to strain parents, particularly those in single-income households. To make matters worse, Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been met with widespread criticism from parents who feel it is too demanding- both financially and logistically. Many have voiced frustrations over expensive projects, unclear learning objectives and the heavy involvement required from parents. For those disillusioned with the current system, alternatives like IGCSE, Cambridge and Montessori exist, but their exorbitant fees place them out of reach for most households.
In the face of these challenges, could homeschooling be a viable solution for more Kenyan families?
One of the biggest concerns in Kenya’s education system is the quality of learning in many schools. Overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and outdated curricula have long plagued public schools, leaving students struggling to keep up. While private schools offer better facilities, they come at a high price, making them inaccessible to many families. Homeschooling presents an opportunity to bridge these gaps by allowing parents to tailor education to their child’s unique learning needs. With the rise of digital learning platforms and online resources, homeschooling no longer has to mean being isolated- it can be structured, diverse and aligned with global education standards.
Beyond academics, safety concerns have become a major factor for many Kenyan parents. Cases of bullying, school violence and even tragic criminal incidents perpetuated against students have made headlines over the years, leaving parents anxious about their children’s well-being. Additionally, commuting to and from school presents risks, including reckless drivers, kidnappings and bad company. By homeschooling, parents can eliminate many of these dangers, providing a secure learning environment where their children feel physically and emotionally safe.
Another compelling reason to consider homeschooling is the bond it fosters between parents and their children. In many Kenyan homes, working parents only see their children in the evenings, often too exhausted to engage meaningfully. Homeschooling creates more opportunities for quality time, allowing parents to better understand their children’s strengths, struggles and aspirations. This can be particularly beneficial for children who need extra attention or those who might feel lost in the rigid structure of a traditional school setting.
The icing on the cake? Homeschooling is way cheaper than having children learning in educational institutions. There is no financial burden of paying facility and student insurance fees, no fees for meals and pressurizing prompts to clear fees on which teachers’ salaries are dependent on.
However, homeschooling is not without its challenges. It requires a parent or guardian to be fully committed, which may not be feasible for families where both parents work full-time. Additionally, access to learning materials, a structured curriculum and guidance from education professionals is crucial to ensuring children receive a well-rounded education. Another common concern is socialization- children in homeschool settings may miss out on peer interactions, extracurricular activities and learning how to navigate group dynamics. Parents opting for homeschooling must find ways to incorporate social experiences, such as enrolling their children in sports clubs, creative workshops or group homeschooling sessions.
At the end of the day, homeschooling is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it offers undeniable benefits, it also requires careful planning, commitment and resources. With CBC challenges persisting and alternative education systems remaining out of reach for most, could it be time for more Kenyan families to explore homeschooling as a serious option? Could homeschooling be the future of education in Kenya, or is it an unrealistic dream for most parents?
Kenyan Law
Homeschooling is legally recognized as an alternative form of education under the Basic Education Act of 2013’s Alternative Education Policy. The Ministry of Education oversees all educational activities, including homeschooling and requires parents to notify the Ministry in writing of their intention to homeschool. Additionally, parents are expected to submit annual progress reports detailing their children’s academic achievements and overall well-being. Homeschooled students are eligible to participate in national examinations to obtain secondary school completion certificates.
