Girls’ and Women’s Education in Kenya: Gender Perspectives and Trends

Abstract

Gender issues have continued to play a key role in the formulation of public policy, not least in the education sector, where the gender gap in many developing countries remains a challenge. Since the purpose of policies is to guide action towards some identified practical goals, policies lose meaning when they remain unimplemented. Moreover, it is important to understand the process of policy formulation because it is crucial to the final outcomes. In contemporary educational theory and practice, feminist thought provides invaluable direction on gender policies that seek to enhance inclusiveness and equality in education - so that it does not discriminate against girls and women or any minority groups. The following sections of this chapter will, therefore, provide an overview of gender theorising, feminist theoretical frameworks and perspectives, as well as policy orientations in education in Kenya.