Education stakeholders in Baringo South have expressed deep concern over the state of secondary schools in the area, warning that several institutions are at risk of closure due to low student enrollment and inadequate funding.

The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Marigat, which brought together officials from the national government, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and local leaders.

School principals criticized the student placement criteria used by the Ministry of Education, arguing that they disproportionately disadvantage Category C4 schools. According to them, some schools did not receive even a single Form One student despite having made early preparations at the beginning of the year.

Schools such as Karnee and Sokotei are reported to have extremely low student numbers, raising serious concerns about their financial and academic sustainability. Principals noted that declining enrollment directly affects government capitation funds, making it difficult to maintain operations and deliver quality education.

The KEPSHA Baringo South chairperson described the situation as alarming, linking it to poor academic performance and a lack of coordination between teachers and school leadership. The Sub-County Director of Education echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic interventions to improve performance and attract more students.

In response to the challenges, the Member of Parliament for Baringo South announced full sponsorship for all students attending day secondary schools in the constituency. The initiative aims to boost enrollment, stabilize affected institutions, and prevent potential school closures.

The MP underscored that education remains a critical pillar for transforming lives and shaping the future of the community, calling on parents, teachers, and leaders to work together to safeguard the region’s schools.

Education stakeholders in Baringo South have expressed deep concern over the state of secondary schools in the area, warning that several institutions are at risk of closure due to low student enrollment and inadequate funding.

The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Marigat, which brought together officials from the national government, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and local leaders.

School principals criticized the student placement criteria used by the Ministry of Education, arguing that they disproportionately disadvantage Category C4 schools. According to them, some schools did not receive even a single Form One student despite having made early preparations at the beginning of the year.

Schools such as Karnee and Sokotei are reported to have extremely low student numbers, raising serious concerns about their financial and academic sustainability. Principals noted that declining enrollment directly affects government capitation funds, making it difficult to maintain operations and deliver quality education.

The KEPSHA Baringo South chairperson described the situation as alarming, linking it to poor academic performance and a lack of coordination between teachers and school leadership. The Sub-County Director of Education echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic interventions to improve performance and attract more students.

In response to the challenges, the Member of Parliament for Baringo South announced full sponsorship for all students attending day secondary schools in the constituency. The initiative aims to boost enrollment, stabilize affected institutions, and prevent potential school closures.

The MP underscored that education remains a critical pillar for transforming lives and shaping the future of the community, calling on parents, teachers, and leaders to work together to safeguard the region’s schools.