Overcrowding in Public Schools as Learning Institutions Turn into Death Traps
In several public schools, over-enrolment has strained essential facilities to their limits, leading to potential risks and, at times, fatalities, as revealed by a Nation survey.
The investigation exposes widespread violations of the Ministry of Education’s health and safety guidelines, with the Quality and Assurance Department failing to conduct necessary checks.
The congestion in classrooms and dormitories, coupled with insufficient sanitation facilities, especially in low-income urban areas, poses health risks to students.
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Nation’s findings indicate that many schools surpass the recommended student-to-teacher ratio set by UNESCO, compromising the quality of education.
The difficulty in managing a large number of students with inadequate staff may also contribute to disciplinary issues. Additionally, the limited washroom facilities force students to queue during breaks, with some boarders going days without bathing.
One such school facing severe congestion is Mwiki Primary School, located in the Githurai area. Despite its unassuming facade, the school accommodates over 5,000 pupils in a one-acre compound, making social distancing challenging.
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Plans to alleviate the situation by relocating students have faced obstacles, as neighboring schools, Kimbo and Kwa Ng’ethe, are also congested.
The Education Committee of the National Assembly, during a session last year, expressed concerns about Mwiki Primary School’s conditions.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Muratha referred to it as a disaster waiting to happen.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu acknowledged the government’s plans to address the congestion by relocating the school to a more spacious location.
Similarly, Ndurarua Primary School in Kawangware faces a similar issue, with its 6,000 learners surpassing the school’s capacity. The 100 percent transition policy has exacerbated the situation, especially in boarding schools, where facilities like libraries have been converted into dormitories.
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Kessha national chair Willy Kuria highlighted the challenges faced by principals in boarding schools, such as Lions High School in Kisumu County, where the student population forces classes to be conducted under trees.
The shortage of teachers, as reported by Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Kisumu branch secretary Zablon Awange, further impacts the quality of education.
Various schools, including Kakamega School and St. Peter’s Boys High School in Mumias, have resorted to improvising solutions to address congestion, such as constructing new classrooms and dormitories.
Despite these efforts, the shortage of facilities remains a pressing issue in numerous schools, impacting the overall learning environment.
Overcrowding in Public Schools as Learning Institutions Turn into Death Traps
