Greener Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 136-146, 2024 Greener Journal of Social Sciences Vol. 14(2), pp. 136-146, 2024 ISSN: 2276-7800 Copyright ©2024, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. https://gjournals.org/GJSC DOI: https://doi.org/10.15580/gjss.2024.2.093024121 The Role of Education in Economic Development: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and Kenya John Philip Sele*;Cynthia Wanjiku Africa International University, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article No.: 093024121 Full Text: PDF, PHP, HTML, EPUB, MP3 DOI: 10.15580/gjss.2024.2.093024121 Education is a transforming factor in economic growth because it gives people the information and skills that spur innovation, productivity, and general social advancement. Two of the biggest economies in Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, have made considerable changes to their educational institutions to promote economic expansion. But even with these reforms, obstacles including poor infrastructure, restricted access, and insufficient government money still stand in the way of development. This study examines how education affects economic growth in Kenya and Nigeria, paying particular attention to how the distinct political, cultural, and historical backgrounds of each nation affect educational achievements. This study highlights opportunities for improvement while identifying important educational policies and initiatives that have successfully supported economic growth through a comparative analysis. It considers the larger implications of education as an instrument for national transformation, drawing on theological viewpoints, and makes the case that real growth must be in line with moral and ethical principles. In the end, the research suggests a more integrated strategy, stressing that education may act as a catalyst for long-term, sustainable economic growth when it is in line with spiritual principles. Accepted: 05/10/2024 Published: 12/10/2024 *Corresponding Author John Philip Sele E-mail: seleswop@gmail.com, cynthiawanjiku2803@gmail.com Keywords: Education, Economic Development, Nigeria, Kenya, Comparative Analysis, Theological Perspectives, National Transformation Introduction Economic development is mostly fueled by education, which enables people and countries to experience long-term progress and prosperity. Education is essential to enhancing human capacities, as Amartya Sen (1999) emphasizes in his groundbreaking book, Development as Freedom. It enables people to raise their socioeconomic status and make contributions to the advancement of their country. There is no denying the connection between economic progress and education in countries like Nigeria and Kenya. Despite ongoing