Education is seen as the primary means of social mobility, national cohesion and socio- economic development. Since independence the Government of Kenya has been committed to the provision of education to her citizens. Kenya like other parts of the world has experienced the impact of globalisation, increasing inter-dependence between and within states and the need for people to become responsible citizens both nationally and internationally. Similarly, trade and communications have been revolutionised, while human capital requirements, especially as a result of the ICT revolution, has experienced rapid growth. Consequently, the government has continued to reform the education and training sector to respond to these emerging challenges thus ensuring that the country’s goals and aspirations are realised.
The Constitution of Kenya (2010) articles 43(1)(f), 53(1)(b) and 55(a) makes education a right of every Kenyan while the Kenya Vision 2030 underscores the importance of education in ensuring relevant human and social capital for sustainable development. In particular, the Constitution guarantees every child to free and compulsory basic education. Sub-article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution further provides for access to affordable tertiary education, training and skills development. The reform in education and training shifts emphasis from knowledge-reproduction to knowledge-production.