A series of abrupt and poorly communicated policy announcements from the Ministry of Education has left parents, teachers, and students across Kenya in a state of persistent confusion, undermining confidence in the management of the nation's school system. Recent events, including last-minute changes to the academic calendar and conflicting information on school funding, highlight what critics describe as a critical need for a coherent and proactive media strategy within the ministry.

The most recent flashpoint occurred in April 2024, when Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the postponement of school reopening dates just hours before students were set to travel. The announcement, made via a circular sent around 1:00 AM EAT on the day of reopening, cited the dangers posed by ongoing heavy rains and flooding. While the ministry defended the decision as a necessary measure to save lives, the timing sparked widespread public outcry. Parents who had already sent their children to bus stations were left stranded and frustrated, questioning why the decision was not made and communicated sooner, given the prolonged period of rainfall.

This incident is symptomatic of a broader communication problem. The ministry has faced criticism for releasing confusing data regarding "ghost" schools and students. According to a November 2025 opinion piece in the Daily Nation, the ministry initially promised to complete a vetting of all basic education institutions in two weeks but failed to do so nine weeks later. During this period, officials cited conflicting figures on the number of non-existent students, first claiming 20,000, then 50,000, before going silent on the matter. More recently, the ministry stated that thousands of schools have very low enrolment numbers, including 10 senior schools with no students at all, raising questions about the allocation and potential wastage of capitation funds. This lack of clear, consistent information has fueled speculation and made it difficult for the public and education stakeholders to understand the scale of the problem and the ministry's proposed solutions.

Impact on Reforms and Public Trust

The communication gaps extend to the implementation of major educational reforms, most notably the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). While a 2023 Afrobarometer survey found that a slim majority (52%) of Kenyans believe the CBC will improve education, a significant portion remains doubtful, citing challenges such as the high cost of materials for parents and concerns about haphazard implementation. Effective communication is crucial for building public buy-in for such systemic changes, yet the ministry's approach has often been reactive. This has allowed misinformation to flourish and has left many parents feeling anxious and unequipped to support their children's learning.

Experts argue that a proactive media strategy would involve more than just issuing press releases. It requires consistent engagement with the public through various channels, clear explanations of policy decisions, and a willingness to listen to and address the concerns of parents and teachers. The current approach, characterized by top-down pronouncements and a lack of stakeholder consultation, risks alienating the very people needed to ensure the success of educational initiatives. The Elimu Bora Working Group, a civil society lobby, has described the education sector as being in crisis, citing hasty policy execution and a lack of clear legislative frameworks to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.

The Way Forward

For the Ministry of Education to rebuild trust and effectively manage the sector, a fundamental shift in its communication philosophy is required. This involves establishing a clear, reliable, and multi-channel communication system to keep the public informed. Key policy decisions, especially those affecting the academic calendar or school funding, must be communicated well in advance to allow families and schools to plan accordingly. Furthermore, the ministry must provide clear, data-backed explanations for its policies to demystify complex issues like capitation and curriculum reform. A dedicated team responsible for public relations and stakeholder engagement could help bridge the current divide, ensuring that information is not only disseminated but also understood. Without such a strategy, the ministry risks having its reform agenda derailed by public mistrust and confusion, ultimately impacting the educational outcomes of millions of Kenyan children.