Universalisation of primary education (UPE) has been a global issue since the early sixties, yet several decades
later and even in the 21st century, many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are still grappling with it. Unlike their
counterparts in the developed world, its realisation in developing countries has been faced with a myriad of
constraints. Kenya has a long standing commitment to providing educational access to its primary school going
children. This has been reflected in the country’s Economic Plans, Sessional papers and other development plans.
Most importantly, Kenya acknowledges provision of basic education for its citizens as a human right, as is
enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya (2010). Furthermore, Kenyan citizens have a right to free and compulsory
education as is stipulated in the Basic Education Bill of 2012. Moreover, Vision2030 has acknowledged
education as a component of the social pillars. Although the first step towards this was articulated by the Kenyan
government immediately after independence in 1963 and later in 2003, little has been done to establish the extent
to which Universal Primary Education has been advanced in Kenya. Therefore, there is need to do stock taking
of the advancements made towards this goal. Furthermore, examining of the obstacles that have persistently
hindered its success over the years is critical for realisation of universal education. This paper will therefore
address the extent to which universalisation of primary education has contributed to advancement of access to
basic education and the obstacles that have hindered its success.