By Gilbert Kobi
Rianyabaro Secondary School in Bogiakumu Ward, Bonchari Constituency was intended to be a centre of excellence in the region. That has remained a pipedream.
When it was established in 2013, resident had high hopes, hopes that have diminished with time.
Lack of political good will and stakeholders indifferent are to blame for its sad state today.
The school project swallowed much of public funds with dismal output to the society.
Despite having some of the best structures, the school has only 50 students and four government teachers. This is in contrast with its neighbouring peers.
Is the school wastage of government resources?
The school principal Joshua Ogolla opines this may be the case.
“This school has not given residents what they deserve. Being the only centre of excellence in the whole Sub-county, the community is supposed to own it, but instead they fight against it,” said Ogolla.
The principal pointed out differences among the church and political leaders has grounded the school progress.
According to Ogolla the school has never been supported by the Constituency Development Fund, neither has it received any funding from the county government.
“The war between county education board and Catholic church over the ownership of the school is also a major reason of little school development,” he said.
This, he said, has scared away well-wishers willing to support the school.
The school is currently managed by County Education Board.
The surrounding community is also on the spot for contributing to the downfall of the great government project. Even the nearby primary school caution their candidates against joining the school.
Adding to its woes is the school’s proximity to Itibo market. Ogolla admitted that it has been a challenge to control students from accessing the neighbourhood, where some are introduced to drug abuse.
County Education Board Chairman Dr Henry Onderi said that he was aware of the friction between the Catholic Church and the community.
