Education stakeholders in Garissa County are calling for the Arabic language to be introduced in schools from Grade 4, citing the region’s strong madrasa education tradition.
The proposal was presented by Garissa County Education Board Secretary Abdi Maalim during a public engagement on six proposed Education Reform Bills at Garissa University.
Mr. Maalim said many children in Garissa begin learning through madrasa education and pastoralist settings before joining formal schools, and urged the Ministry of Education to establish a task force to explore how madrasa education can be incorporated into the curriculum.
Garissa Sub-County Director of Education Rashid Mohammad also backed the proposal, saying early introduction of Arabic would give learners more time to develop proficiency in the language.
Other stakeholders called for stronger protection of school capitation funding, improved financing of higher education and increased support for learners with disabilities.
The public participation forum brought together education professionals, parents, students and residents from Garissa and Lamu counties to give views on the proposed education reform laws.
