The late Nelson Mandela said that education is a powerful tool that can be used to change and transform the world. The quote marries well with the enormous effort of former Minister and long-time Member of Parliament of then Nandi district (now Tinderet constituency), Henry Kiprono Kosgey.
When Henry Kosgey was first elected to Parliament in 1979, many saw him as someone who was not as abrasive as Kenyan politics demanded then. He was seen as a politician who could not raise the low standards of education in the vast constituency.
Upon assumption of ministerial dockets in early 80’s, Kosgey embarked on a serious journey of improving education standards in the constituency. His thoughts revolved around emancipation of the wananchi from poverty through education. This saw him start attending fundraisers to purchase land for new schools and ensuring that teachers were posted.
Kosgey went ahead to ensure performance in his home and neighbouring constituencies improved. He did this by ensuring that the schools had the best administrators who had proven records. The minister also organized education days that were graced by top notch motivational speakers from the world of academia.
Tinderet used to perform poorly then due to acute understaffing. The area also had a rugged terrain marked by poor infrastructure. This made many teachers to shy away from teaching in schools in the area. The solution to the challenge escaped many stakeholders but Henry, through his wisdom, decided to champion for the constituency to be gazetted as a hardship area.
The results of the gazettement bore fruits as with the availability of hardship allowance, many teachers flocked the District. Performance improved significantly. The area evolved academically and currently boasts of several scholars both locally and internationally.
Kosgey, to date, is still preaching the gospel of emancipation through education. Being a staunch Catholic, he continues to traverse Nandi county and beyond preaching education in church functions.
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Some of the notable performing schools that he helped rise academically include; Samoei Boys, Meteitei, Kapsabet Boys, Our lady of Victory Kapnyeberai, Lelwak Boys, St. Mary’s Tachasis, St. Elizabeth’s Girls, Henry Kosgey Kibukwo, Siret Secondary not forgetting St .Joseph’s Girls Chepterit among many others.
The former minister also worked hard to ensure that the educated elites got employment in government and the private sector. This created a pool of role models that motivated students.
Apart from fundraising for school infrastructure, Kosgey came up with an ambitious bursary scheme for students from low socio-economic status. The scheme raised the hopes of students whose educational future was bleak. Students from all tribes benefitted as he valued diversity in his constituency.
In light of all this, it holds true to state the high and positive trajectory of education standards in Nandi county cannot be complete without the mention of Henry Kiprono Kosgey.
By Kiptoo Makiche
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