Ruto Orders Integration of Madrasa and Duksi Into Kenya Education System

President William Ruto ordered the Ministry of Education to begin consultations to integrate Madrasa, Duksi, and pastoral instruction into Kenya's basic education system.

The move aims to expand educational access for marginalized and historically underserved communities in northern Kenya. By formalizing these instruction programs, the government seeks to bridge the gap between traditional religious learning and the national curriculum.

Ruto made the announcement on Monday during the 63rd ^[1] Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir, northern Kenya ^[2]. The president said the Ministry of Education must now lead the process of determining how these specific instructional models can be formally woven into the broader basic education framework ^[3].

Madrasas and Duksi systems provide essential religious and community-based education in many northern regions. Integrating these programs into the state system could provide students with recognized certifications and a clearer path toward higher education while maintaining their cultural and spiritual heritage ^[4].

The directive focuses heavily on the pastoralist communities of the north, where mobile lifestyles often make standard classroom attendance difficult. The government intends to use this integration to ensure that no child is left behind due to their geographic location or the nature of their primary schooling ^[5].

This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to address regional disparities in literacy and school enrollment across the country. The consultations will determine the standards and requirements necessary to align these traditional programs with national academic goals ^[6].