Senator Orwoba calls on government to decongest schools

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has called on the Ministry of Education to provide a lasting solution to decongest schools in Nairobi.

Speaking on January 12 at Kileleshwa, Nairobi, the senator noted that congestion of learners in schools with inadequate infrastructure is a major challenge in most of the institutions especially, ones located in slums.

"Education is the best equalizer for all learners. I have requested the education Cabinet Secretary to provide a sustainable solution to decongest schools," Senator Orwoba said.

She says that having raised her concern through the senate, the Ministry has not yet stated clearly its plans for addressing such challenges.

The senator has suggested that the government should also ensure the provision of school buses in less populated schools to ensure equality in the distribution of resources.

Orwoba has also called upon the County Government of Nairobi to ensure that the Dishi Na County (Tap to Eat) feeding program is implemented across all institutions within the county.

"We have a very wonderful programme called Dishi na County but it has not reached some public schools like in Kileleshwa. So governor Sakaja,I urge you to investigate and identify some institutions that have not yet benefited from the programme," she added.

She further noted that the feeding programme has been of help to parents and pupils by reducing the cases of absenteeism that were previously caused by poverty.

Orwoba last year launched the "Soma na Glo" initiative aimed at decongesting primary schools in the Dagoreti North constituency.

Its inaugural phase was launched in the year 2023 where a pilot program of 55 students from various schools in Dagoreti North were relocated to Kileleshwa Primary which has a potential capacity of more than 2000 students.

Amidst the schools reopening, 80 students applied to join the program and have officially been enrolled in various classes as schools reopen for the first term.

She said that many government schools in the slums are grappling with excess students and a lack of learning materials that need to be addressed by the Ministry and relevant stakeholders.