Education interventions ease classroom congestion, boost learning in Nyanza

By Philip Rutto (PCO)

Long-standing classroom congestion in Nyanza is easing as Government investment in infrastructure, teacher recruitment and ICT facilities continues to transform schools and create more conducive learning environments for thousands of learners.

Nyanza Deputy Regional Director of Education Allan Omondi said schools in the region are steadily overcoming overcrowding through the construction of additional classrooms, laboratories and ICT facilities.

“Here in Nyanza, congestion in our schools will soon be a thing of the past,” he said, noting that improved infrastructure is creating conducive learning environments.

Omondi said the recruitment of thousands of teachers, coupled with investment in modern facilities, is strengthening the quality of education and positioning the country to develop a competitive workforce.

Much of the infrastructure expansion has been supported by the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) Programme, which has enabled schools that previously relied on makeshift structures to expand and modernise their facilities.

County Directors of Education from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Nyamira said the interventions had significantly improved learning environments across the region.

Siaya County Director of Education Dr Francis Shikanda said learners who previously studied in tents are now attending classes in permanent structures.

“We are now in the process of folding the last tents,” Dr Shikanda quipped, highlighting the scale of the infrastructure improvements.

He said better facilities had also contributed to improved attendance and increased pride among learners.

Traditionally a strong academic region, Nyanza is expected to record improved performance in national examinations as better learning environments, teacher recruitment and access to resources take effect.

Dr Shikanda said education officials are increasingly reporting progress instead of the numerous challenges that previously dominated discussions on the sector.

“We hardly have challenges to report, unlike previous years when we daily recorded numerous problems. Nowadays, we are reporting success stories,” he said.

He also cited the integration of ICT in teacher training colleges as another area of progress, noting that institutions such as Ugenya, Asumbi and Borabu had recorded increased enrolment.

Dr Shikanda said thousands of learners from vulnerable backgrounds had benefited from Elimu Scholarships, while learners with disabilities are receiving targeted support to enable them to participate fully in education.

“We have not left anyone behind,” he said.

The officials said continued investment in classrooms, ICT-enabled learning, teacher training and support for vulnerable learners were helping transform education in Nyanza.