By Suleiman Mbatiah
President William Ruto today led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Susan Kihika Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kiratina, Free Area, marking a major step toward expanding access to quality education in Nakuru Town East.
Kiratina is a densely populated, low-income area where access to quality and affordable education has long been a challenge. Many children are forced to travel long distances to attend school, as most institutions are located far from the community and costly.
“We are enhancing access to quality education through the expansion and construction of modern schools across Kenya to guarantee equal opportunities for our children, regardless of their socio-economic background,” President Ruto said.
The new school is a joint initiative between the County Government of Nakuru and the Nakuru Town East National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). The county has provided two acres of land for the institution, which will include Early Childhood, Primary, and Junior Secondary sections.
Governor Susan Kihika said the school will ease congestion in nearby institutions and improve learner safety. She urged residents to take ownership of the project, ensuring it becomes a model of excellence and community pride.
“This school will not only expand access to quality education but also decongest neighbouring schools in Free Area. It will bring education closer to our children, reducing the risk of accidents as they no longer have to cross the busy highway to attend distant schools,” she said.
Governor Kihika outlined key investments her administration has made in the education sector. The County Bursary Fund was increased this year to Sh440 million, up from Sh342 million last year, benefiting nearly 50,000 students across various levels of learning.
In Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), the county has employed 498 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, bringing the total to 821. The Uji Program, which supports nutrition in ECDE centres, has boosted enrolment from 59,000 to 65,000 learners. The number of ECDE centres has also grown from 1,003 to 1,068.
Over the past year, the county has constructed 127 new classrooms, rehabilitated 16, and furnished 628 centres with age-appropriate furniture. To enhance hygiene and learner comfort, 10 kitchens and 69 toilets have been built.
In vocational education, the county has constructed eight training rooms and workshops, equipped nine Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) with modern tools worth Sh15.7 million, and opened seven new centres—bringing the total to 40 across Nakuru.
Ten Centres of Excellence are set to open later this year to strengthen technical and vocational training. Enrolment in VTCs has risen from 5,361 trainees last year to 6,250, supported by a Sh30,000 capitation per learner.
Governor Kihika urged leaders, parents, teachers, and well-wishers to continue working together to make education a foundation for growth and equality, saying that collective effort will ensure every child’s dream thrives despite poverty and limited opportunities.