Govt To Increase Low Cost Boarding Schools In Volatile Areas
The Ministry of Education is currently in discussions with the World Bank to expand the number of low-cost boarding primary schools in counties prone to banditry. This move aims to prevent continuous disruptions to learning caused by insecurity.
Elijah Mungai, head of the Directorate of Projects Coordination and Delivery in the Ministry of Education, is leading a technical team that is conducting a need assessment survey to formulate recommendations.
This team, evaluating the status of the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) program, aims to pinpoint troubled areas where boarding schools could be improved to accommodate learners and restore a conducive learning environment.
During a field visit, Elijah Mungai and KPEEL National Coordinator Martha Ekirapa discussed strategies to address the challenges.
Recent reports indicated the closure of numerous schools in insecure regions as communities fled alongside learners due to raids.
During a fact-finding mission in Samburu County, the KPEEL team, led by Martha Ekirapa and Ruth Charo from the World Bank, learned that eight local schools were affected.
Samburu County Commissioner John Cheruiyot suggested establishing two low-cost boarding schools in critical hotspots to encourage and retain learners.
The County Director of Education, Mohamed Ali, expressed concerns about potential dropout rates among day scholars from conflict-affected communities.
He highlighted schools along the edges of the Malaso conflict belt, such as Malaso, Losuk, Morijo, Ngorika, Soit Pus, Pura, and Lorok Primary schools, which had to shut down.
Cheruiyot assured partners that they were strengthening security measures from Suguta Valley to Kapedo Escarpment to enable the resumption of learning activities.
He also commended partners for implementing the KPEEL programme, benefiting around 90 percent of local schools, and enhancing learning standards in challenging environments.
A multi-agency team, including representatives from the World Bank, Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, Elimu Yetu Coalition, the Department of Refugee Services, and others, is conducting field visits nationwide to assess the KPEEL programme’s implementation.
Various counties, including Turkana, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisii, Bomet, Narok, Kisumu, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kwale, have received support under the programme to address educational disparities.
The programme, aligned with other educational initiatives like NESSP II and the Elimu Scholarship, aims to benefit six million primary school learners, including those in refugee-hosting counties.
According to Ekirapa, the programme aims to improve learning outcomes, retain girls in upper primary education, and strengthen systems for equitable education results.
The programme includes components such as infrastructure development, school meals, environment, governance, and accountability to achieve improved learning outcomes.
During a visit to Nontoto Primary School, the technical team was dismayed to find boarding learners sharing limited resources. Ms. Charo and Martha Ekirapa organised a fundraiser to provide necessary amenities for the boarders.
Susan Languris, the school’s head teacher, expressed frustration over girls unable to afford the low-cost boarding facility’s levy, risking dropout due to cultural norms.
Govt To Increase Low Cost Boarding Schools In Volatile Areas
