In 2003, Kenya instituted free primary education. That year, the student population increased by 1.7 million. 

Unfortunately, less than 40 percent of the students who graduate from primary school will progress into secondary school. Attrition factors include unaffordable school fees, inadequate curriculum, school availability, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases.

Kenyans believe that education is the most attainable method for improving their situation in life.

Several statistics validate this statement:

• • Every year of schooling raises a woman’s average income by 10 percent.
• • According to UNICEF, children born to mothers with some education are twice as likely to live beyond the age of 5.
• • Women’s education was the single most important factor behind falling levels of hunger and malnutrition in the developing world according to a 30 year study by the US Institute of Food and Nutrition.

Nelson Mandela