Date Posted: 7/2/2012 11:49:53 AM
Posted By: macawear88 Membership Level: Silver Total Points: 163
It goes without say that the literacy level in Kenya does not much the economic development. While we have many elites and more graduates being hatched year in year out, the same also occurs for vices such as unemployment and poverty. The fact that many graduates are still jobless is quite axiomatic not only in Kenya, but Africa as a whole. This got me thinking, why was there no joblessness in our traditional African society? Our current education system is inclined towards creating white collar job seekers. There is little focus on creativity and development of indigenous crafts that existed in the pre-colonial era and which could be of unfathomable importance to the country’s economy. A good illustration is exemplified by the fact that in the primary education system, all technical subjects were abolished. Subjects such as art and craft, music and home science were great avenues for discovering talent in different fields. With the scrapping off of these subjects the system creates graduates who are best suited for office jobs. These jobs are few and this has led to graduates scrambling for blue collar jobs with non graduates.The new constitution recognizes application of cultural and traditional practices as intellectual property through which royalties can be earned. Article 11(3a) of the Constitution expressly provides that there shall be a legislation to ensure that communities receive compensation for their cultural activities. This means that something like the maasai braiding shall become a source of revenue for the community. Doesn't this therefore call for the revival of indigenous education? It is because of this shying away from our traditional designs that led to the kiondo weaving design being registered internationally as a Japanese patent. Steps to make Kenya own certain designs such as the akala should be hastened in order to make us benefit internationally from our traditional designs.While the importance of formal education and having degrees is highly appreciated, the truth on the ground is that there are many Kenyan students who cannot afford to go to universities. The reasons vary from lack of fees to being locked out by the high cut-off points. The legitimate grade to be admitted to a public university is C+. Practically, the same grade today will leave you struggling to get admitted to a diploma course in a reputed institution. For those with Es (people get Es too in KCSE) talent is the best way to propel them forward economically.I long for the day when the government will promote artistic works on an international platform. Through this, everyone shall have an opportunity at the national cake. A hypothetical scenario is when a pot is made by a person whose education level is low. The business is managed with a business graduate. Add good faith in the whole scenario. Deduct corruption. The answer is a happy nation, growth in GDP and consequently, growth in economy. Education need not be in classroom alone.
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