The 844 System in Kenya: Did it Cultivate Laborers, Not Thinkers?

It’s often said that the 844 education system in Kenya cultivated laborers rather than thinkers and innovators. I don’t want to play the blame game, but perhaps I will. Recently, I heard a statement from a senator that made me laugh—not the lighthearted, funny kinda laugh, but a painful laugh that resonated with reality. The senator pointed out that while other countries are exporting top leaders in innovation and technology, we are exporting individuals to perform menial tasks like housework or working as watchmen.

We often say, “Kazi ni kazi” (work is work), but let’s be real: not all work holds the same value. If I’m doing a job purely for survival, then “kazi si kazi.” This mentality reflects a deeper issue rooted in our poverty levels and the types of information we consume and apply. Many people are so desperate for opportunities that they sell their land and livestock to migrate abroad, often to do what, exactly? What's the ROI? Can you calculate it? is there scalability in this?

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not here to shame anyone for the work they do. Everyone deserves to earn a living, and survival is a legitimate motivator. However, shouldn’t home be our first priority? Like make home ideal? Isn’t the idea of going abroad meant to supplement what we already have, not to replace it? Have you ever seen a foreigner come to Africa to work as a laborer?

We possess immense talent in Africa, yet it is often stifled from a young age. The question is: do we have mentors on this continent willing to guide and nurture that talent? The truth is, talent is abundant, but it takes mentors who are ready to teach and extend their hands to the next generation graciously.

Mother Africa deserves respect, and we must recognize the potential within our borders. It's in/on the land. It's the people. Can we shift our mindset and reframe how we view work, talent, and the opportunities available to us as Africans? We teach others how to treat us then we start complaining. Where are the African leaders when the disrespect starts to brew? Why are the laws against the people instead?

Let’s cultivate thinkers and innovators instead of just laborers.

The future of our continent depends on it and I hope we see this from both an individual level and leadership levels. We got work to do and it's weight is on all of us the children of the land.

Are you ready for the task?