Kenya's literacy crisis leaves half of Grade Six pupils unable to read basic English
A recent assessment has exposed a deep literacy crisis among Kenyan pupils. The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (FLANA 2025) found that half of Grade Six learners cannot read or understand a Grade Three English books. Experts warn that without urgent action, the consequences will stretch far beyond the classroom.
The FLANA 2025 results highlight a systemic failure in literacy education. Years of neglect have left many children unable to reading at even basic levels. Overcrowded classrooms, a lack of books, and teaching focused only on exams have worsened the problem.
Reading is not just a skill—it is the foundation for all learning. Yet schools often lack structured reading time, supervised practice, or access to engaging materials. Many pupils only encounter textbooks or exam passages, missing out on the wide, regular, and enjoyable reading needed to build fluency.
Experts argue that literacy must be treated as a cross-curricular responsibility. Every teacher, regardless of subject, should play a role in fostering reading skills. Schools also need support to build libraries stocked with varied, culturally relevant books suited to different reading levels.
The decline of reading culture has wider effects. A nation that does not read struggles with critical thinking, clear communication, and responsible decision-making. Without intervention, the cycle of poor literacy will continue to limit opportunities for future generations.
The FLANA 2025 findings show that literacy failure is not inevitable but the result of long-term neglect. Schools must now prioritise reading by protecting time for it, training teachers, and providing better resources. Without these changes, the gap between pupils and their potential will only grow wider.
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