Mass Transfers Leave Kirinyaga School with One Student in Form 2 and Eight Teachers.
Mugwandi Public Day and Mixed Secondary School, situated in Kirinyaga Central, Kirinyaga County, is grappling with an unprecedented student shortage that may lead to its closure. The school currently has only one student enrolled, raising alarm among residents and educational stakeholders in the area.
A recent visit to the school revealed a bleak picture: the sole enrolled student, a Form Two learner, was found studying alone in a classroom, awaiting an English lesson. The emptiness of the facility starkly highlighted the severity of the issue.
The recently appointed principal refrained from commenting directly on the matter without authorization from higher authorities. They indicated that media access required prior approval from the County Director of Education.
“Please, we are not allowed to talk with the media. Kindly call the County Director of Education before I permit access to the school compound,” the principal stated.
Subsequently, County Director of Education Lydiah Mutegi granted permission for access and confirmed the distressing scenario. She disclosed that the school employs eight teachers under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), despite having only one student.
Community Blames Leadership Delays
Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament, Gachoki Gitari, attributed the situation to delays in appointing a school principal, which led many parents to transfer their children to other schools. He stated that a board meeting would be convened at the school to discuss possible solutions.
“It is true, as you can see, there is only one student and eight teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in the school,” she said.
Some parents echoed Gitari’s concerns, expressing frustration at the lack of timely leadership. Others pointed to the school’s name, “Mugwandi,” which in Kikuyu means “downfall,” as a factor discouraging enrolment.
One parent, Eunice Wambui, voiced her unease, suggesting that the name symbolically undermines the prospects of students attending the school.
Former students of the institution have expressed sadness over the school’s potential closure. Anthony Kibuchi, a former Nairobi County police boss and alumnus of Mugwandi Primary School, reflected on the issue, recalling his connection to the institution.
He expressed his dismay, noting the decline from a once-thriving institution to one with just one student and a looming threat of closure.
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Seeking a Path Forward
The community and stakeholders are exploring strategies to save the school. A forthcoming board meeting will focus on restoring confidence among parents and encouraging enrolment.
As the fate of Mugwandi Secondary School remains uncertain, the institution stands at a crossroads, facing one of the most significant challenges in its history.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Enrolment | 1 student |
| Number of Teachers | 8 (employed by TSC) |
| Reason for Student Decline | Leadership delays and school name |
Two challenges dominate the discussion: addressing administrative gaps and overcoming cultural perceptions tied to the school’s name.
Mass Transfers Leave Kirinyaga School with One Student in Form 2 and Eight Teachers.
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