A Defining Moment for Africa and the World

Understanding the Crisis in Higher Education

Every year, thousands of capable and ambitious young men and women complete secondary education only to find that the doors to higher education remain closed.

The Problem: Many Deserving Students, Too Few Seats, Limited Resources

Over the past two decades, Kenya has made remarkable progress in expanding access to both primary and secondary education. Almost all children now successfully transition from primary to secondary school. Yet, at the end of the secondary school cycle, the question looms larger than ever: what comes next?

For far too many students, the answer is bleak. Every year, thousands of capable and ambitious young men and women complete secondary education only to find that the doors to higher education remain closed.

This challenge is not unique to Kenya. Across Africa, millions of young people are facing the same fate: eager to learn, willing to work, and striving for an advanced degree, yet denied opportunity simply because they cannot afford tuition or — more starkly — because there are no seats available.

In 2024, nearly 1 million Kenyan students sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Yet, out of these, only 20 percent of students were placed into degree programs.

KCSE Candidates in 2024

Nearly one million students sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

20%

Placed in Degree Programs

Only one in five students gain admission to university degree programs

75%+

Redirected or Left Behind

More than three-quarters redirected to diplomas, certificates or left with no options

800K+

Students Without Degree Access

Hundreds of thousands of qualified students denied university opportunities annually

The reason is straightforward:

Institutional capacity has not kept pace with the rapid growth in secondary school enrollment. Shortage of space has become one of the most pressing challenges in higher education today.

The Diploma and Certificate Pathway: Barriers Remain High

Redirected But Not Supported

Consequently, more than three-quarters of KCSE candidates are redirected to diploma, certificate or artisan programs. But here, too, barriers remain high.

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Cost Barriers

Many families cannot afford the cost of tuition and living expenses, even for diploma and certificate programs.

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Quality Concerns

Others question the value of investing in programs that are often perceived as lacking quality or clear pathways to meaningful employment.

The result is disillusionment and wasted potential.

Progress Without Sufficient Capacity

Kenya's remarkable educational expansion has created a new challenge

✓ Primary Education Success

Kenya has achieved near-universal primary education enrollment. Almost all children now have access to primary schooling, representing a tremendous national achievement.

✓ Secondary Education Growth

The transition rate from primary to secondary school has soared. Almost all children now successfully move from primary to secondary education.

✗ Higher Education Gap

Institutional capacity in higher education has not kept pace. The dramatic increase in secondary graduates far exceeds available seats in universities and colleges.

✗ Youth Left Behind

Hundreds of thousands of qualified, motivated young people are denied access to higher education each year, limiting their potential and Kenya's development.

A Continental Challenge

The crisis extends far beyond Kenya

Africa's Youth Population Boom

Africa is experiencing unprecedented demographic growth. By 2050, more than 40% of the world's youth will live on the African continent. This represents both an enormous opportunity and an urgent challenge.

Without sufficient investment in higher education infrastructure, millions of talented young Africans will be denied the opportunity to develop their skills, contribute to their economies, and reach their full potential.

The stakes could not be higher. Africa's demographic dividend can become an economic powerhouse — or a crisis of unfulfilled potential.

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Education Access Gap

Millions of qualified African students are turned away from higher education annually due to capacity constraints.

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Urgent Need

Without action, this education crisis threatens economic development and social stability across the continent.

The Implications Are Enormous

When talented youth are left behind, individual dreams are shattered, but so too is the promise of national and continental development. Africa's greatest resource — its young population — remains underdeveloped, underutilized and frustrated.

The need is urgent! Inaction will lead to youth unemployment, increased crime, and related social ills.

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Individual Impact

Dreams shattered, potential wasted, futures uncertain for hundreds of thousands of young people.

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Family Impact

Families remain trapped in cycles of poverty, unable to break through despite their children's achievements.

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Community Impact

Communities lose potential leaders, teachers, healthcare workers, and professionals who could transform local development.

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National Impact

Nations forfeit economic growth, innovation, and social progress when their greatest resource is left undeveloped.

This is not just an education gap. It is a moral and societal crisis, with consequences for families, communities and the future of entire nations.

A Moral and Societal Crisis

Youth Unemployment

Without access to higher education and skills training, qualified secondary graduates face bleak employment prospects. Youth unemployment breeds frustration, hopelessness, and social instability.

Brain Drain

Talented young people who cannot access education domestically may seek opportunities abroad, depriving their home countries of desperately needed human capital and leadership.

Lost Economic Potential

Every young person denied education represents lost economic productivity, innovation, and contribution to national development. The cumulative cost is staggering.

The Time to Act Is Now

The implications are enormous. When talented youth are left behind, individual dreams are shattered, but so too is the promise of national and continental development. Africa's greatest resource — its young population — remains underdeveloped, underutilized and frustrated.

The need is urgent! Inaction will lead to youth unemployment, increased crime, and related social ills. This is not just an education gap. It is a moral and societal crisis, with consequences for families, communities and the future of entire nations.

But there is hope. The Lasallian community is rising to meet this moment.

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