Schools in Remote Areas Not Ready for Grade 9 Learners Ahead of Reopening.
Education has long been hailed as the great equalizer, but as Kenya prepares for the transition of pioneer Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners to Grade 9, glaring disparities threaten to undermine this principle.
Unprepared Classrooms in Remote Areas
Although the Ministry of Education has expressed confidence that schools are ready to reopen on Monday, learners in Nyamira County and other remote regions will face stark challenges.
At Omobiro Primary School in North Mugirango, for example, a former Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) classroom is set to host 42 Grade 9 learners despite being in a dilapidated state.
The Ministry claims to have completed 98 percent of Grade 9 classrooms nationwide, but Omobiro Primary is among those left out.
Board Chairman Evans Okioga explained that the government promised funds for classroom construction, yet the school has received nothing.
As a result, the learners must return to a run-down structure that once accommodated younger pupils, crushing their expectations of improved learning conditions.
Okioga reported that the school had improvised a plan to clear the classroom of stored items, including firewood and iron sheets, to make it usable for the incoming students.
A Shared Crisis Across Schools
In West Mugirango Constituency, the situation is equally dire. At Masosa Primary School, more than 120 Grade 9 learners face uncertainty as no suitable classrooms are available.
Board Chair Lucy Mwangi stated that despite the government’s assurances, the school had not received any funding to construct classrooms.
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“Tuko na challenge juu kuna shule zingine zimekuwa funded lakini sisi hatujaona kitu,” noted Ms. Mwangi.
Plans to build two classrooms stalled after the contractor demanded a deposit the school could not provide. Mwangi lamented that while some schools received funding, theirs remained neglected.
At Egesieri Primary, a December 30th advertisement for bidders to construct a Grade 9 classroom illustrated the last-minute scramble to prepare for reopening.
The lack of resources and government support highlights the persistent challenges faced by schools in remote areas.
Contrasts in Preparedness
Meanwhile, schools in more privileged areas appear better equipped to handle the transition.
At Moi Forces Academy and Midas Academy in Machakos, teachers and parents were engaged in retooling sessions at the Gravity CBC Resource Centre ahead of reopening.
Moi Forces Academy Board Chair Vitalis Oyoo emphasized that investing in well-equipped human resources is crucial for the country’s progress.
He noted the importance of bringing parents and teachers together to align on expectations and strategies.
Persistent Inequalities
While some schools in urban areas forge ahead with preparation and collaboration, many in rural regions like Nyamira County remain underserved.
Challenges such as insufficient classrooms, lack of teachers, and inadequate government funding threaten to derail the education journey for hundreds of learners.
The disparities underscore the need for more equitable resource distribution to fulfill the promise of education as a true equalizer.
Read Also: Government Orders Transfers for Pupils in 349 Non-Compliant Schools
“A well-equipped human resource will always propel the country into greater heights and that is what informs a decision to constantly bring our parents, teachers together then we get to know what is expected of us.” Moi Forces Academy Boar Chair Vitalis Oyoo said.
Schools in Remote Areas Not Ready for Grade 9 Learners Ahead of Reopening
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