The Kenyan
School system
Kenya’s school system
In Kenya, a primary school certificate is issued after the eighth year of school. The degree is roughly equivalent to the German Hauptschulabschluss. In addition to vocational training, Kenyans with this degree can also opt for higher education (see chart).
At school, for example, the children learn English, mathematics and social studies. Through subjects such as sports, music and art, the creative and coordinative education of the students is also promoted. Kenya is actively working to expand the education sector and as a result achieved the “UN Millennium Development Goal” in 2015.
In 2000, only about 50% of children in Kenya were able to attend school – by 2015, the rate was already 90%.
Source: BQ Portal. Information portal for foreign professional qualifications 2011 – 2021
The situation of the Maasai
In Kenya, attendance at primary school is compulsory and generally free of charge. However, the school books, school uniforms and teaching materials, as well as any boarding school accommodation, must be financed by the parents themselves: Many families do not find it easy to raise the necessary funds.
The Maasai live in extremely simple conditions (semi-nomadic pastoralists) and financing attendance at a boarding school is often a major hurdle. In addition, the way to school is often difficult for Maasai children: Some Maasai live up to 30 kilometers away from the nearest school. (s. Documentary: “The World’s Most Dangerous Routes to School” (2013); season 1, episode 2).
