By Zamzam Daqarre - Reporter
GARISSA, 1 October 2026 — Education officials in Garissa County have called for Arabic to be formally included in Kenya’s school curriculum from Grade Four, saying the language is important to the cultural and educational life of the local community, according to Standard Media.
The proposal was made during a public consultation held at Garissa University, where the Kenyan Parliament’s Education Committee was gathering views on six proposed laws related to reforms in the country’s education system.
Abdi Maalim, secretary of the Garissa County Education Committee, said many children in the region begin their education at Quranic schools before moving to formal schools.
He proposed that the government establish a special committee to examine how madrasa education could be incorporated into the formal education system.
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Rashid Mohammad, Director of Education for Garissa Sub-County, also supported introducing Arabic from Grade Four, saying an earlier start would give students more time to develop their proficiency in the language.
Education officials and other stakeholders also raised concerns about school funding, calling for legislation to include provisions ensuring schools receive adequate funding on time.
University students also urged Parliament to improve the higher education funding system, particularly to address delays in financial support provided to students.
The consultations in Garissa and other counties form part of Parliament’s efforts to assess proposed legislation aimed at reforming Kenya’s education system.