Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) chairman Charles Ochome with ex-envoy Kipyego Cheluget (L) speaking at the Edward Limo Educational Centre in EldoretThe Kenya Private Schools Association has expressed strong support for ongoing reforms in the education sector while urging faster expansion of school facilities to accommodate a growing number of learners.
KPSA chairman Charles Ochome said congestion in many schools remains a major challenge that must be addressed by the government and other stakeholders.
“We all need to look into the issue of improving facilities in our schools so that learners can access quality education at all levels,” he said.
Ochome spoke at Edward Limo Educational Centre in Eldoret during the commissioning of a computer laboratory, part of the school’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) facilities.
He was accompanied by school directors Ambassador Kipyego Cheluget and Ruth Limo.
The centre was founded by Edward Limo (deceased), a renowned evangelist and philanthropist, together with his wife, Taphrotha Limo (deceased).
Noting the role of private schools in advancing education, Ochome said, “Private schools are not competing with public institutions but complementing what the government is doing in expanding education facilities.”
He attributed the strong performance of private schools in the recent KJSEA assessments to continuous investment in infrastructure and human resources, adding the examinations merely gauge learners as they transition to Grade 10.
On fees, Ochome said private schools would continue to charge comparatively higher fees, citing obligations such as hiring qualified teachers, developing facilities and paying taxes.
“We have had long-standing clients who are parents, and this will not change because of our commitments to providing quality education,” he said.
Cheluget said the Edward Limo Educational Centre remains committed to offering holistic education, in line with the vision of its founders.
“The vision of Mzee Limo was to provide a holistic education for Kenyan children grounded in Christian values. Eight years after his passing, we continue to uphold this vision,” he said.
Cheluget said the school will continue to develop modern facilities, such as the new computer centre, to ensure a conducive learning environment for students. The school also hosted a sports tournament involving local community teams, further underscoring its role in community development.
Cheluget praised Limo’s contributions to education and community service in the region.
Private schools in Kenya continue to play a critical role in complementing government efforts to expand and improve education, but challenges such as congestion highlight the need for accelerated investment in infrastructure. The KPSA’s call for faster facility expansion underscores a growing gap between learner demand and available resources, particularly as the Competency-Based Curriculum demands more specialised learning environments. Strong performance in the KJSEA assessments reflects sustained investment in facilities and human resources, yet higher fees remain a barrier for some families. Holistic education, modern facilities and community engagement remain key drivers of private schools’ contribution to national education outcomes.
