By Suleiman Mbatiah
The construction of the Susan Kihika Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kiratina, Free Area, is set to ease congestion in nearby schools and bring learning closer to hundreds of children who have long struggled with limited access to education.
The new model institution, a partnership between the County Government of Nakuru with the Nakuru Town East NG-CDF, will serve Early Childhood, Primary, and Junior Secondary learners, offering a safe and convenient learning environment for families in the densely populated area.
The County Government of Nakuru allocated two acres of land for the project and officials say it will continue to make significant investments in the project to expand access and quality, and support the development of accompanying amenities.
President William Ruto while officiating the groundbreaking ceremony, lauded the project as a key step toward expanding access to quality education and promoting equality for children in underserved communities across Nakuru.
“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.
Governor Kihika said the school would ease overcrowding, protect young learners from crossing busy highways, and provide ECD, Primary, and Junior Secondary education in a holistic environment that nurtures the minds and talents of every child.
“Importantly, this school will help reduce the risk of accidents that have sadly occurred as our children cross the busy highway to attend distant schools. By bringing education closer to their homes, we are safeguarding their lives while opening doors to endless possibilities,” she stated.
The Governor 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.