Parents in Bomet County expressed their anger and frustration after it emerged that Kiptergekiat Comprehensive School had not been registered as a Junior Secondary School (JSS).
They staged a peaceful protest outside the school compound, demanding urgent government intervention to reverse the decision.
Led by Judy Koech and Caroline Langat, they lamented that their children have no alternative learning institution nearby and cannot travel the long distance to Chebulu, the nearest registered JSS.
“It’s unfair to deny our children education when the school has existed and functioned for years. How can we be told now that it’s not recognised?” Koech questioned.
“Chebulu is several kilometres away and inaccessible to many of us. Most families here cannot afford transport costs,” said Langat.
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The parents are now calling on the Ministry of Education to reconsider Kiptergekiat School’s registration status, arguing that it meets the infrastructure and staffing needs to host junior secondary learners.
Their protest also highlighted a separate but related concern — the ongoing sale of illicit brews near the school premises. The parents said the presence of the illegal alcohol trade poses a serious threat to their children’s safety and learning environment.
“Children are being exposed to drunkards and dangerous behaviour just outside the school gate. This business must be shut down immediately,” said another parent.
County Director of Education Leonard Ngugi received a petition from the protesting parents, acknowledged the concerns and promised to address the matter.
“We have taken note of the registration issue and the security threat posed by illegal alcohol sellers. Appropriate steps will be taken in consultation with relevant authorities,” Ngugi assured.
The protest underscores growing frustrations among rural parents, many of whom feel sidelined in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Junior Secondary transition.
BY Kimutai Langat
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