Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko has decried the sorry state at which head teachers in his county operates.
The county chief who praised the tireless efforts of head teachers in nurturing future generations, calling for improved remuneration and working conditions for school administrators, urged the national government to reconsider the compensation of head teachers, noting the pivotal role they play in laying the foundation for future professionals, leaders, and change-makers.
Speaking during the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) Nyanza Region meeting, the Governor decried the inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic utilities in many rural schools, further highlighting the harsh conditions in which teachers operate.
“Most teachers live and work in areas with no piped water, no electricity, and little support. Still, you continue with passion because you love what you do,” he stated.
He also emphasized on the critical role head teachers play in managing not only learning but also the health, discipline, and safety of children in their care.
“You are responsible for shaping our children at a very tender age. You manage their education, health, safety, and discipline. That is no small task,” said Governor Ayacko. “Yet, despite the enormity of your responsibilities, you remain underappreciated, under-resourced, and poorly compensated.”
Dr. Ayacko also emphasized the need for collective support from parents and communities, noting that head teachers are often unfairly blamed for poor performance while being offered minimal support.
During the conference, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s ongoing investment in Early Childhood Development (ECD) infrastructure.
Ayacko reported that Migori County has constructed 140 ECD classrooms and plans to add 50 more in the current financial year. Additionally, the county has recruited 25 new ECD teachers to replace those exiting service.
“We are also increasing allowances for our ECD teachers from KES 800 to KES 3,000 per month. This is a step toward appreciating their dedication and improving morale,” he announced.
On infrastructure development, Dr. Ayacko cited efforts to build footbridges and roads leading to schools across Migori, particularly in flood-prone areas like Kanyasa and Nyatike. However, he lamented the limited funds allocated to county governments for road maintenance.
“Migori has over 5,000 kilometres of roads, most of them earth roads requiring constant grading. Our total county budget is under Kshs 8.4 billion, yet roadwork alone would require over Kshs 10 billion,” he explained.
He called on the national government to allocate more resources to counties and emphasised the importance of health infrastructure, noting that 167 health facilities across Migori County serve many learners.
However, he raised concerns about low enrollment in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), urging communities to register so that local health centres can receive capitation funds.
The conference brought together education stakeholders from across the Nyanza region, including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, and Nyamira counties, underlining the region’s long-standing reputation for academic excellence and disciplined learners.
By Polycarp Ochieng
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