Education stakeholders in have raised concerns over the sorry state of education in schools in Malava sub-county.
Speaking during this year’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Matsakha Secondary School, Butali Chegulo ward led by Bungoma High School Chief Principal Enock Andanje, they said that schools in the area have been reduced to mere shells thus affecting their academic performance.
Andanje pointed out that most schools had been neglected and it is only through efforts by students, teachers and parents that the school is still operating.
“Look at this school we are in, it was started in 1973 but it is now like a ghost school with very few students, no infrastructure in place to attract enrolment,” he said.
Malava Sub County Director of Education (SCDE) Rose Chisumi reiterated the sentiments and welcomed him to her office to brainstorm on ideas to solve the matter.
Area MCA Kevin Mahelo confirmed that the school was lagging behind in matters development and enrolment due to lack of funds.
“We also want to challenge those criticizing this school to enroll their children here so that we can grow in numbers and use the school fees to develop it,” he said.
Kakamega North sub-county Commander Paul Nkanatha Mwendwa called on parents to assist in growing area schools and reduce dependence on national and county governments.
The Deputy County Commissioner Florence Omieno asked residents to make good use of Shamberere National Polytechnic which offers a variety of tailored courses with the government offsetting a part of the required school fees.
“Instead of idling and engaging unlawful activities, our children should register for technical courses at our fully-sponsored colleges where registration is only Ksh500 and you are absorbed to acquire technical skills that are much needed in the country,” she said.
She also warned pervasive men against preying on school-going girls, noting that their days were numbered and they will face the full force of the law.
“Our sub-county is among the leading in early pregnancies and most parents were hiding the culprits and opting to out of the courts settlements. Shame on you and if a case is presented to my office you will face the law together with village elders being compromised to handle incest pregnancies and other sexual harassment subjected to our young girls,” she said.
By Andanje Wakhungu
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
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
