As the Ministry of Education led the country yesterday in marking the International Day for Education, it was revealed that Nakuru County has recorded alarming illiteracy levels with minority communities affected most. 28 percent of people living in Nakuru County are illiterate.
Areas around Olkaria and Suswa are the hardest hit with data from the department of Adult Education putting illiteracy rates at 42 percent.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the world Literacy day in Lapland Naivasha, the County Director of Adult Education Jimford Mokua said that they are working to reduce the illiteracy levels so that the residents could make informed decisions. According to Mokua, the high illiteracy levels are affecting the resident’s decision making process towards various development projects.
Mokua noted that with the incoming of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) coming into force there was an urgent need to address the issue if illiteracy as parents are expected to be fully involved in the new system.
“The illiteracy levels around Maasai land are around 42 percent and this can affect development projects both by the government and donors,” he said.