A passionate appeal has been made for urgent government intervention to rescue Nagum Primary School in Laikipia County, which is reported to be in a deteriorating state despite serving a growing pastoralist community.
The appeal comes in the wake of President William Ruto’s visit to Laikipia yesterday, where local leaders and residents turned out in large numbers at various stop-points, including Olmoran Secondary School, where cultural dancers from the Pokot community performed to welcome the head of state.
According to the appeal, Nagum Primary School, located near Olmoran Secondary School along the Laikipia North and Laikipia West border, remains one of the most neglected learning institutions in the area, despite being established with the support of an Italian Catholic priest, Father Giacomo, around 2015.
The school, which serves approximately 170 learners, reportedly operates under difficult conditions, with only four Teachers Service Commission (TSC) teachers and a few PTA-supported instructors.
The learning infrastructure is said to be in poor condition, with mud-walled classrooms whose roofs are deteriorating, raising concerns about safety, especially during rainy seasons.
The institution is also said to suffer administrative neglect due to its unique geographic and political positioning, situated in Laikipia West geographically but administratively falling under Laikipia North—leaving it without clear prioritisation from either side.
In contrast, concerns have also been raised about Nyakinyua Day Secondary School in the same region, where learner enrollment has reportedly dropped significantly, with no Grade 10 students currently enrolled.
The appeal highlights the challenges faced by pastoralist communities in accessing quality education, noting that children from Nagum Primary later proceed to Olmoran Secondary School after completing their primary education.
The call now seeks government attention, proposing that part of the recently announced development commitments in Laikipia—including a pledge of KSh 1.5 billion for student hostels in universities, TVET institutions and KMTCs- be considered for the reconstruction of Nagum Primary School.
Stakeholders argue that allocating approximately Sh5 million could help rebuild the school from the ground up, providing safer and more conducive learning facilities for children in the area.
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The community members from the Pokot pastoralist group, whose children form the majority of learners at the institution, are now hoping that their concerns will be addressed following the high-profile visit, which they believe has brought renewed attention to the region’s development needs.
By Saidimu Lekupe
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