Former Narok Senate aspirant Andrew Sunkuli has sounded the alarm over declining education standards in Narok County, attributing the poor performance in national examinations to teacher non-commitment, and parental neglect on their children on the education matters.
Speaking to Education News, Sunkuli , who also serves as the chairman of the Maa Education Trust, criticized some teachers for prioritizing personal ventures over their professional duties.
“Many of our teachers are spending too much time planting wheat and running private businesses instead of dedicating themselves fully to the classroom,” he said.
He added: “This neglect of our students is worsening the education crisis in our county.”
He also placed part of the blame on parents, accusing them of failing to provide their children with books and other essential learning materials.
“Education begins at home. Parents must play their role if we want to see improved results.” He emphasized.
Sunkuli urged the Narok County Government to channel more of its tourism revenue into the education sector adding that weak infrastructures have also contributed to the education decline.
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He called for the construction of libraries, classrooms, dormitories, and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers to reduce congestion and improve learning conditions.
“If we invest heavily in our schools, Narok can reclaim its place as a center of academic excellence,” he said.
Describing the current situation as “academic genocide,” Sunkuli challenged students to work hard and maintain discipline.
He appealed to local leaders and education stakeholders to collaborate more closely on policy and resource allocation. “It will take a united effort to reverse this worrying trend,” he noted.
On transition rates, Sunkuli lamented the persistence of harmful cultural practices such as early marriages and female genital mutilation (FGM), which he said contribute significantly to school dropouts.
“We cannot expect our girls to complete school while these outdated practices still exist,” he said.
He further raised concerns over the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in Narok County, urging leaders, opinion shapers, and community elders to take a more active role in tackling the issue.
“Every stakeholder must work together to ensure that every child, particularly the girl child, enjoys her full right to education,” Sunkuli said.
He called on the county and national governments, as well as civil society groups, to intensify campaigns against harmful traditions and invest in educational facilities to secure the future of Narok’s children.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
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