Kenya: Ruto Orders Integration of Madrasa and Duksi Into Basic Education System

Wajir — President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to begin consultations aimed at formally integrating Madrasa, Duksi, and pastoral instruction programmes into Kenya's basic education framework, in a move expected to expand access to education for thousands of children in marginalised communities.

Duksi is a foundational religious learning institution for young children, particularly in Somali-dominated regions.

Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir County, the President said the government will establish a clear legal and policy framework to recognise alternative learning pathways that have traditionally operated outside the formal education system.

Ruto noted that the absence of an official framework for Duksi, Madrasa, and pastoral instruction had left many children, particularly in northern Kenya and other marginalised regions, without recognised educational pathways.

"Today I direct the Cabinet Secretary for Education to engage all relevant stakeholders and take the necessary measures under the Basic Education Act to consult widely and recommend appropriate measures for the formal integration of the same," the President said.

"This will ensure that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has a recognised pathway into learning, skills and opportunity. Every child deserves a door into learning. It is our duty to open every door."

The directive formed part of a broader government agenda aimed at promoting inclusion and addressing historical inequalities in northern Kenya.

The President said education remains the most powerful tool for transforming lives and unlocking economic opportunities, noting that government investment in the sector has significantly increased.

According to Ruto, the education budget has grown from Sh500 billion in 2022 to more than Sh702 billion today, while over 100,000 teachers have been recruited in the last three years, with an additional 20,000 set to be employed.

He highlighted efforts to address chronic teacher shortages in northern Kenya through an affirmative action programme that has led to the operationalisation of teacher training colleges in Wajir, Kutulo and Mandera.

"Today, through this affirmative action programme, a record 1,800 local teachers from Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties have been employed and will be deployed in the region," he said.

The President also revealed that 4,616 students from the region are currently enrolled in teacher training colleges, the highest number recorded in the area's history.

Beyond education reforms, Ru