Nearly 10,000 learners enrolled in primary schools sponsored by the African Muslim Agency (AMA) across Kenya face an uncertain future as the Kuwait-based organisation moves to privatise the institutions under its jurisdiction. The move has sparked concerns among parents and local communities, particularly in Marsabit, where residents have strongly opposed the decision.
The ten affected schools each have approximately 1,000 pupils and also serve as orphanage centres, accommodating 220 orphans per institution. The privatisation effort, if implemented, could significantly impact access to education for many underprivileged children, a scenario that has drawn widespread criticism from parents and Muslim adherents alike.
Marsabit residents have vowed not to allow AMA to proceed with its plans, arguing that the shift from public to private ownership would disadvantage needy pupils. Halima Abdi, a parent with two children in an AMA-sponsored school, lamented that privatisation would place undue financial strain on parents who rely on the agency’s support.
Issa Mohammed echoed similar sentiments, questioning why AMA, whose mission is to provide education as a means of breaking poverty cycles, would take such a drastic step that could exclude learners from low-income backgrounds. “Education is the key to a better future for these children. Turning these schools private will lock out the very students who need them the most,” he said.
Defending the proposal, African Muslim Agency Marsabit Director, Ali Duba, assured the community that due diligence would be conducted to ensure that no needy children are negatively affected. He explained that the move is informed by the continued increase in student enrolment, which has stretched resources and risks lowering academic performance.
Despite these assurances, parents and local leaders remain skeptical, fearing that privatisation will lead to increased school fees, limiting access to quality education for many student.
Deputy County Commissioner David Saruni confirmed that public participation forums were conducted, during which parents overwhelmingly rejected the proposal. “The majority of parents expressed strong dissatisfaction with the privatisation plans and massively voted against the idea,” he said. Saruni noted that the final decision now rests with the Ministry of Education.
The affected schools span several counties, including Al Hidaya in Marsabit, AMA Primary School in Lamu, Kilifi Centre AMA Primary, Modogashe Centre AMA Primary in Garissa, Wajir Centre, Al-Uweis Primary in Mandera, Al Fowzan Primary in Mandera, Dawa Primary in Isiolo, Archers Post Centre in Samburu, and Muslim Primary School in Marsabit.
As discussions continue, the fate of these schools remains uncertain, leaving thousands of children and their families in limbo. The Ministry of Education’s decision will be crucial in determining whether these institutions remain accessible to the underprivileged or become a preserve for those who can afford private education.
