The Kenya National Union of Teachers, KNUT Bomet branch has raised concerns over the high number of schools without Junior Secondary School, (JSS) sections in tea estates across the county.
Branch Secretary General, Desmond Langat highlighted that the shortage has forced many learners to walk long distances—up to 10 kilometers—to access JSS education.
Speaking in the area, he noted that girls are particularly vulnerable, facing risks such as defilement and assault during their long commutes.
According to Langat, a total of 173 schools in Bomet County currently lack JSS facilities, with seven of them located within the tea estates.
ALSO READ:
Ghosts of children who skipped classes to avoid CBE comes to haunt high schools
“A total of 173 schools in Bomet County currently lack JSS facilities, with seven of them located within the tea estates. This is worrying,” he said.
In addition to the infrastructure concerns, he criticized the continued unemployment of qualified teachers in the region. He stated that more than 80 percent of trained teachers in Bomet have remained jobless since 2016, a situation he described as deeply demoralizing.
“The prolonged delay in teacher recruitment has pushed many into a state of hopelessness. As a union, we want this problem addressed urgently,” Langat said.
ALSO READ:
Kiendege High to host Manga School in Nyamira sports tournament as teams gear up for big clash
The union is now calling on the government to prioritize education funding, saying the current budgetary allocations are insufficient and have hindered the implementation of key educational programs across the country.
KNUT emphasized the need for immediate intervention to ensure equitable access to education and better support for both learners and teachers.
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
