The County Director of Adult Education of Tana River Robert Zonga has expressed his concern over the low enrolment of adult learners in the region.
Zonga said that the low enrolment could derail efforts of eradicating illiteracy in the Coastal region.
He also complained that high levels of illiteracy has led to high levels of poverty.
“Illiteracy and poverty work in tandem to make an unholy alliance,” said Zonga.
He said that Tana River County had only seven permanent adult education teachers who are supported by 43 part time teachers employed by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
“To make it worse, the county has only 101 teachers in 101 adult education literacy centres,” he added.
He said that adult education was intended to ensure that learners who perform well in the national examinations get employed or are able to employ themselves.
He added that 8 candidates will sit for this year’s KCPE examinations while 15 more will sit for the KCSE examinations.
On his part, he Tana River Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Langat implored the department of adult education to conduct a sensitization programme in order to improve the literacy levels in the county.
Langat said that education adults can do better modern farming, treat their livestock, live healthier lives and lead better lives.
According to Data from 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, levels of education in Tana River are so low. The report revealed that for 32,815 girls there are only 13,464 who completed school.
Besides, 58,872 males and 68,287 females have never been to school in Tana River.