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Residents of Kamwana village in Gichugu Constituency have welcomed the opening of Kamwana Primary School, a long-awaited project expected to ease access to education for hundreds of children who have endured long and risky journeys to school for decades.
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The school, established through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), will admit its first learners on Monday, July 6, 2026, marking the end of a more than 40-year campaign by residents to have a public primary school in the area.
Residents of Kamwana village in Gichugu Constituency have welcomed the opening of Kamwana Primary School, a long-awaited project expected to ease access to education for hundreds of children who have endured long and risky journeys to school for decades.
The school, established through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), will admit its first learners on Monday, July 6, 2026, marking the end of a more than 40-year campaign by residents to have a public primary school in the area.
Previously, children; some as young as five years old-walked up to 10 kilometres daily to attend Kiambaatha and Ngariama Comprehensive schools. Many left home as early as 5 a.m. to arrive in class by 7 a.m., a journey that left them exhausted before lessons began.
Speaking during the official opening, Gichugu MP Githinji Gichimu said the project was realised through extensive public participation.
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He explained that residents initially proposed that the school be built on government land near the forest. However, following further consultations and growing concerns over frequent wildlife invasions, the community agreed to relocate the project farther from the forest. A local family subsequently donated land, paving the way for construction.
“The establishment of this school is a result of community unity and commitment to ensuring children has access to education in a safe environment,” Gichimu said.
Residents said the new school will significantly improve learners’ safety by reducing the distance they travel each day.
Pauline Wangai noted that children will now leave home at around 6:30 a.m. and arrive at school by 7:30 a.m., greatly reducing their exposure to insecurity.
“We have planted vegetation such as Napier grass along the roadsides, which unfortunately has provided hiding places for criminals who targeted our children and even parents escorting them in the early morning. With the school now nearby, we have found relief,” she said.
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Wangai added that Kamwana borders Mt Kenya Forest and is surrounded by Njukiini Forest, making wildlife encounters a common concern for residents.
“We frequently see wild animals in our farms and near our homes. We always feared our children could be attacked on their way to school,” she said.
Gichimu said the Ministry of Education has already deployed four teachers to the institution, which has enrolled 40 learners for its inaugural intake. The school currently has four classrooms, with plans for further expansion.
“We already have 40 learners who have enrolled, and the Ministry of Education has posted four teachers. In the 2026/27 financial year, we will allocate additional funds to expand the school and ensure learning continues beyond Grade Four,” the MP said.
Residents expressed optimism that the new school will not only improve access to education but also enhance the safety and well-being of children in the remote village.
By Jane Mugambi
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