Bomet East Member of Parliament Richard Yegon has urged the government to urgently review the placement of learners into senior secondary schools, citing challenges that have left many students and parents inconvenienced.
Yegon said some learners from his constituency had been assigned to day schools located far from their homes, including institutions in Chepalungu, several kilometres away. He described the arrangement as unrealistic and burdensome for families. “There are cases where children from Bomet East have been called to day schools in Chepalungu, which is many kilometres away. This is unrealistic and places an unnecessary burden on learners,” he stated.
The legislator faulted the Ministry of Education for providing parents with a very short window to appeal or request transfers. He noted that many parents were not even aware of the process before the deadlines expired. “The period given to parents to make appeals or request transfers is too short. Many parents are not even aware of the process before the deadline lapses,” Yegon said.
He further called on parents to ensure all children are accorded equal academic opportunities, pointing out that boys have often been overlooked as more emphasis is placed on supporting girls’ education. “We must support the education of the girl child, but we should not forget the boy child. Every child deserves equal academic support and encouragement,” he added.
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At the same time, Yegon warned youths in the region against drug and substance abuse, saying the vice continues to rob young people of opportunities. He cited recent cases where over 1,500 candidates were rejected from joining the Kenya Defence Forces due to drug-related issues. “Drug abuse is robbing our young people of opportunities. This is a serious warning to our youths,” he cautioned.
Parents in Bomet East have also raised concerns over the placement of learners in distant day schools, urging the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure students are admitted to institutions closer to their homes. They called for urgent action to prevent disruptions as schools prepare to admit learners to the senior secondary level.
By Kimutai Langat
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