Kuria west: Residents of Kugitura village in Kuria West Sub-County have criticised the dilapidated state of educational infrastructure at Kugitura Primary School, saying it hinders children’s access to quality education.

According to Kenya News Agency, the residents, led by the school Board of Management (BOM) Chairperson, Zephania Mokenye, accused the county government of neglecting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facilities since devolution began. Speaking at the school, where pupils are taught in cramped, rusted metal-walled classrooms with poor ventilation, they expressed their concerns over the rising enrollment numbers forcing learners into tiny, unfit classrooms. The situation is further compounded by the presence of few and often untrained teachers, who struggle to provide proper instruction.

The Early Childhood Education Act mandates County Governments to determine early childhood education resources and infrastructure, as well as the hiring of ECD teachers. Wekena Barrack, a resident and parent, urged the county government to construct modern ECDE classrooms and employ qualified teachers to give local children a fair chance at quality education.

Last month, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, promised that the government would improve schools with poor infrastructure, with special emphasis being given to institutions in remote areas following a public outcry.