Concerned residents of Kugitura village have voiced their frustration over the deteriorating state of infrastructure at Kugitura Primary School, in Kuria West, Migori County, saying the poor conditions are denying local children access to quality education.
During a visit to the school, parents and community members described the cramped, rusted metal-walled classrooms with poor ventilation as unsafe and unfit for learning.
Led by Zephania Mokenye, the Chairperson of the school’s Board of Management (BOM), the residents accused the county government of neglecting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) since the onset of devolution.
“These structures are not only undignified, but also dangerous,” said Mokenye. “Our children are being forced to learn in inhumane conditions while the county government looks the other way. This is a clear failure to invest in early education, which is supposed to be the foundation of learning.”
The school has seen a steady increase in enrollment, yet little has been done to expand or improve the facilities. Learners are packed into tiny, poorly ventilated rooms, while a shortage of trained teachers continues to compromise the quality of instruction.
According to the Early Childhood Education Act, the County Governments are responsible for developing ECDE infrastructure and hiring qualified teachers, but residents say this mandate is being ignored.
READ ALSO:
KNUT to New TSC boss: End political ‘auction’ of teaching jobs
Wekena Barrack, a parent and resident, urged the county to act swiftly.
“We are not asking for luxuries — just the basic right for our children to learn in decent classrooms with professional teachers,” said Barrack. “This is the only school in the area. If the county fails us here, it fails the entire future generation of this village.”
The growing discontent comes just weeks after Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, pledged that the national government would begin rehabilitating schools with poor infrastructure, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.
“We’ve heard promises before, but we want action,” added Mokenye. “This is about our children. They deserve better, and we will not stop pushing until they get it.”
Residents are now calling for urgent intervention and a clear timeline from the county government to address the situation — warning that continued neglect will only widen the education gap between urban and rural learners.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
