Only 13% of Nyandarua KCSE Students Qualify for University.
The Department of Education in Nyandarua North Sub County has disclosed that only 13% of last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates will proceed to universities.
During a Sub County heads of departments meeting at the Deputy County Commissioner’s boardroom, John Gakunga, the Nyandarua North Sub County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, reported that out of 1,897 candidates who sat for the KCSE, only 242 scored C+ and above, making them eligible for university admission.
The meeting, chaired by Nyandarua North Deputy County Commissioner Angeline Musikayo, highlighted the acute shortage of teachers as a major contributing factor to the low transition rate.
Gakunga pointed out that many teachers had transferred to neighboring Laikipia County due to the allure of hardship allowances, as Laikipia is classified as a hardship area.
He further elaborated on the critical need for school heads in the sub-county, revealing that several schools are operating without permanent heads. Alarmingly, three schools lack both school heads and deputies, forcing teachers to assume acting roles.
Another significant challenge raised was the poor road network, which affects both access to schools and examination logistics. Gakunga stated that the inaccessibility of schools in interior areas has led to immense difficulties for both teachers and students.
He urged the Deputy County Commissioner to engage the area Member of Parliament to secure National Constituency Development Fund (N-CDF) allocations for road upgrades, which would enhance mobility for teachers and facilitate exam transportation.
Gakunga also revealed findings from a study conducted by the Sub-County Department of Public Health, indicating that approximately 80% of learners in the sub-county suffer from stunted growth. This issue, he warned, could significantly hinder academic performance.
“Accessibility to most of the schools in the sub-county is a challenge due to the poor road network, which has led to untold suffering of teachers and learners who must use the roads on a daily basis,” noted Gakunga.
He announced plans for the Department of Education to convene a meeting with school heads and Sub County Public Health Officials to discuss possible interventions.
School Standards Assessment
Regarding school assessments, Gakunga noted that by the end of last year, nearly half of the 61 primary, junior secondary, and secondary schools had undergone evaluation.
The assessment reports were shared and reviewed during official school head meetings, with the remaining schools scheduled for assessment this year.
Read Also: Siaya County Launches ECDE Feeding Programme to Enhance Child Development
In preparation for Grade 9, the sub-county completed the construction of 16 classrooms last year under the Kenya Primary Education Equity Learning (KPEEL) Programme, a government initiative funded by the World Bank.
Additionally, construction of 15 more classrooms under phases three and four is currently underway. Gakunga expressed hope that these projects would not be impacted by the ongoing shifts in foreign funding policies in the United States.
Only 13% of Nyandarua KCSE Students Qualify for University.
Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].
