School in forest in Laikipia to be closed down and new one built

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu. Noting that the establishment of primary schools was the work of the national government, he said the move had been necessitated by the harsh conditions the pupils were going through.  (PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/ STANDARD)

A primary school will be constructed at Mutara, Laikipia West sub-county.

The multi-million-shilling project was launched yesterday by Governor Joshua Irungu.

The Sh11.3 million primary school at Mutara township is set to be completed by the end of the year, paving way for the closure of Mutara Primary School situated deep inside the Laikipia ADC Farm forest.

The pupils have for the last years been walking for over 15kms to access the school built during the colonial years.

"We have come to the cry of the pupils whom most of them have abandoned school due to the long distance through the forest to school. We have committed this huge amount of money to build a new school, which they will access with ease," he said.

Mr Irungu said the money would be spent on eight new classrooms, an administration block and sanitary facilities.

"We do not want cases where girls abandon learning to go and get married just because there is no school around. We want to establish a new modern school within the area, which will be used by the communities living around the ADC Farm as this is the wish of the people," he said.

Already, the governor said, the county had established a nursery school now serving some 80 children who will be graduating to Standard One next year.

Noting that the establishment of primary schools was the work of the national government, he said the move had been necessitated by the harsh conditions the pupils were going through.

"Imagine a Standard One pupil coming face-to-face with an elephant while going to school? We have experienced deaths in this circumstances and that is why we are saying enough is enough," the governor noted.