Education went hand in hand with Evangelization in Kitui at the turn of 20th Century. Whenever missionaries opened a mission, the next step was to open a school.   The Catholic-Sponsored primary and secondary schools continue to produce exemplary results nationwide in the national exams. This is attributable to the formation, discipline, counseling, dedication, morals and teamwork developed in these schools under the watchful eye of the church. The formation is not only academic-wise, but also in extra-curricula activities and exposure, essential for development of young minds.   The Structure: The Diocesan Education Office is headed by the Education Secretary; (who has been a priest) appointed to the position by the Bishop. He works hand in hand with a Diocesan Education Board of Advisors, heads of schools and the church representation in the Catholic Sponsored schools.   Partnerships and linkages: The Diocesan education office has enjoyed support of various partners in education including the government and Parents Teachers Association (PTA). Also well wishers have supported the office via...( Read More)

Also involved are the Parish priests and parish church leadership, schools’ administration and the government via ministry of education, as well as benefactors, in matters of education.   Activities: Among other numerous activities that the office undertakes are: To oversee the sponsorship of schools Supporting needy cases in education within the diocese via bursaries Provision of model learning institutions via diocesan privately owned primary and secondary schools and college(s) and polytechnics. Advise the pastoral council and the Bishop on Matters of education Participate in formulation of education policies in conjunction with other stakeholders in education in the country. Help develop the curriculum of Christian Religious Studies in schools and colleges Coordinating Mass celebrations during the opening, closing days and other important days in schools.

The Statistics Currently there are: ü       240 catholic sponsored primary schools; ü       12 private schools with two of them (St. Michael and St Gabriel) being held in total trust of the Diocese; ü       73 sponsored  secondary schools; ü       A college; ü       17 polytechnics All these are spread in the whole diocese

The Future The church remains a partner with other stakeholders in education, in helping forming the young minds towards their future. Thus, it has been a very welcome move by the government to introduce the free primary education in the country, and even more welcomed to help subsidize secondary education.   However the role of our church in provision of quality still remains imperative. Within 10 years is a plan to have value-based schools, to counter the trend whereby the young are being corrupted in their morals by the current system.   Education cuts across all fields, making it a central point to any development course for any society. The Education department is proud of what it is currently doing, willing to continue with the same zeal to format our society via Education

The Challenges Finances: With a vicious cycle of poverty still engulfing majority of house holds in this region, many young people have not been able to access secondary or college education as their parents can’t finance it. The diocese has come in to provide support to such needy cases. But with limited funds, the enormous burden of helping many young people acquire education remains a huge task.   HIV/AIDS still remains huge challenge to the education. There are so many orphaned children who have no where to look for support for their education but the church, with its limited funds. Also affected by the HIV/AIDS include the teaching and administrative staff in our schools, bringing about the problem of understaffing. Due to HIV/AIDS, there are families that have spent every penny available in care of the infected amidst them, leaving nothing for food, let alone education. Through this, children have been forced to drop out of school to care for their ailing parents or siblings.   Harsh climatic conditions: Kitui is a region classified as semi arid, where the little rainfall received is very poorly distributed, and therefore unreliable to the people who are peasant farmers. This has made the region to be famine-stricken. Most people can’t afford a decent meal, and/ or water. This means that any available earning received is used for food and water, no chance to spare for education, especially in the higher level. See: Education Office Report 2008

See: Education Office Report 2009