A primary school in Shinyalu Constituency, Kakamega County, which was closed two months following a land dispute, is set to resume operations.
The move follows intervention by area MP Fred Ikana, who facilitated a meeting between the local community, government officials, and a family claiming over Ksh. 10 million as compensation for the land on which Vikutsa Primary School sits.
The Mudegu family is demanding Ksh. 1.2 million for each of the 10 acres of land occupied by the institution.
The dispute forced the school’s management to close it down, with parents having to transfer their children to other learning institutions.
Ikana, however, stated today that the over 500 pupils who were relocated to other schools in the locality had suffered significantly, as they were forced to trek long distances.
“Closure of Vikutsa Primary School affected a lot of children as the schools they were moved to are very far away from their homes,” the MP said.
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“We have, however, agreed to end the dispute, solicit funds to compensate the Mudegu family, and I can assure that learning will resume very soon,” he added.
The family’s spokesperson, Alenga Mudegu, said they had agreed to allow the school to reopen after reaching a deal with the legislator.
“It does not mean we are against the development of our locality through education, but only demanding what is due to us. We have, thus, agreed with Hon. Ikana and we trust his word.”
The MP stated that some children were even forced to drop out of school due to the long distances after Vikutsa was shut down.
He said the dispute had lasted over fifteen years, during which the Mudegu family made its demands and blamed his predecessors for not intervening in time.
Excited parents said they were ready to return their children to the institution, saying they were suffering.
“Vikutsa is the only school in this locality, and its closure forced us to move our kids to other institutions that are very far away,” said Lilian Khatievi, a parent.
The parents lamented that some of their children were forced out of school to escape the dangers of trekking through the Kakamega forest to reach the institutions to which they had been transferred.
“Our children have been risking a lot as they have to pass through the forest, which is full of wild animals. We are happy about the news that learning will resume at Vikutsa,” said another parent.
Ikana stated that he had asked the Ministry of Education to post teachers to the school with immediate effect.
He pointed out that he would use NG-CDF funds to renovate and expand the institution.
By Hilda Atika
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