The Kenya Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bomet Secretary aspirant Nicodemus Ngeno has called for immediate action to rescue Magoita Secondary School in Bomet County from collapsing.
He said, the school hidden deep within the forests of Bomet East is a forsaken institution grappling with immense challenges.
“Despite the steadfast dedication of its educators and the resilience of its pupils, the situation here tells a sorrowful story of neglect. If the Ministry of Education does not act promptly, the dreams of the young scholars at Magoita may be snuffed out forever.” He said
Ngeno further stated that the school being situated in a rugged, wooded area where access is fraught with obstacles, the only road leading to the school is perilous, winding dangerously through the forest.
“Both teachers and students face daily threats from wild animals and insufficient infrastructure.” He said
He added that the students and teachers are exposed to the hazardous Mara River bridge which poses a life-threatening challenge.
“The mornings are bitterly cold, further complicating an already harsh educational environment. This is more than just a school; it’s a battle for survival amid the absence of essential facilities.” He said
He added that for the past four years, Magoita Secondary has been without electricity, cutting off teachers and students from vital modern educational tools.
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“The scarcity of water has worsened the situation, making even basic sanitation a formidable challenge. The school laboratory stands as an empty shell, valued at 2.1 million shillings, funded by CDF, yet devoid of the necessary equipment to serve its intended purpose. How can students hope to thrive in science under such grim conditions?” he lamented
Ngeno reiterated that the school only thrives on the unwavering commitment of a dedicated team of TSC teachers—the Principal, Deputy, and a senior teacher—alongside their passionate BOM teachers.
A standout among them, he said, is the current Form Four class teacher, who has taken on this vital role since 2018, teaching English and Literature, yet remains unrecognized under PnP terms. “Individuals like him, who risk their lives for their duty, deserve immediate employment by TSC without hesitation; what a remarkable sacrifice. While the local community may sometimes seem apathetic, the reality is that these teachers—many of whom come from the same community—have shown incredible solidarity, ensuring the school remains operational despite the numerous obstacles they encounter.” He said
The Union aspirant also decried the low enrolment numbers saying it is alarmingly exacerbated by families’ struggles to afford essential school supplies and the arduous trek through forest paths. “These challenges lead many parents to withdraw their children, further weakening the school’s enrolment.” He said
He appealed to the Ministry of Education to intervene and rescue the school, saying that the students here are Kenyan children just like any other, yet they are forced to learn in conditions that lack safety and dignity.
“We urgently call upon the Ministry of Education to provide hardship allowances for teachers enduring these extremely challenging conditions, enhance infrastructure—build safe roads, supply power and water, and equip the science laboratory, aid student welfare by making uniforms affordable and promoting enrolment, and tackle security issues arising from the forest terrain and the perilous Mara River bridge.” He said
He added that the school stands as a beacon of resilience amidst adversity, however, resilience alone cannot construct classrooms, illuminate laboratories, or shield children from wild animals or crumbling bridges.
“It is time for the Ministry of Education, together with other relevant stakeholders, to hear the cry of Magoita Secondary and take immediate steps to uplift this institution. To abandon it further is to abandon the future of its children.” He said
By Our Reporter
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