CC Norbert Komora of Tharaka Nithi County said that the county’s secondary school population is likely to grow by more over 12,000 students this year.
It was revealed that the county has 462 elementary schools (243 public and 119 private), and 166 secondary schools (154 public and 12 private), which indicates that primary schools have more students than secondary schools can accommodate.
He did say, however, that the government is working hard to ensure that every student who took the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) successfully transitions to form one.
It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that all students have the opportunity to continue their education, he said.
As of the start of the school year, Komora reported 7,891 pupils enrolled in secondary schools, with 3,713 boys and 4,178 girls.
To ensure that no youngster was left behind, he went on to warn that additional candidates will be admitted to schools outside the county.
Training (TVET) institutions were offered to those who did not wish to attend secondary school.
“There should be no excuse for a student not to further their education,” he added of those who don’t think they can go to secondary school and instead enroll in TVET colleges.
To ensure that children in all sub-counties who have passed eighth grade can effectively transition to secondary school, the CC announced the formation of a County Education Board to help pupils move from 8th grade to 1st grade without wasting their talents.
Parents, Komora begged, should support the government’s efforts to build necessary infrastructure and provide students with bursaries by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, the Equity Foundation, Mpesa Foundation, and Family Bank, among others.
Many times, the government pays half, and the parents pay half. ‘” He urged parents to take advantage of various sources of financial aid, such as grants and scholarships.
As part of his call for calm during the election season, he advised lawmakers to hold peaceful rallies in order to keep things peaceful.
