3 questions to Rose Odoyo
	Chairperson of Elimu Yetu Coalition, a Kenyan NGO

	1. If Kenya were to start again, how should it go about implementing free primary education? The Government should develop an appropriate policy, giving direction on access, quality, transition for one class to another and drop-out. This policy should also comprise guidelines on admission criteria, access for children with special needs, and clarify the roles of the government, the development partners and other key stakeholders. It should then budget for free schooling and reorganize the Education Ministry to accommodate the new initiative. 2. What are the main challenges today? Early childhood education should be made part of free primary education and all early childhood development centres should be monitored for quality. Because of overcrowding, additional classrooms should be built. The variation in the teacher-pupil ratio should be addressed and more learning materials and textbooks provided. Teachers should receive in-service training to learn child-centred teaching methods and new positive discipline techniques as well as guidance and counselling. To ensure transparency and accountability, budget tracking should be introduced and involve school management committees composed of parents and the community. 3. Are you satisfied with the support the international community is giving your country in this initiative? The international community could do more; it could cancel the debt. The G-8 countries could give grants to Kenya to enable it to have a sound education system, since free primary education is bound to contribute significantly to reducing poverty and helping the country reach the EFA goals.
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