Kariandusi Secondary School in Elementaita, Gilgil harbours a story of students from poor backgrounds, striving to quench their thirst for education.

Started in 2018, the school that sits a few metres from the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway admits students from needy families living around Elementaita and Heaven’s Gate.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, the school’s principal Esther Maina revealed that it has been admitting students who scored 240 marks and below in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).

According to her, most students are from low income families with majority staying with their grandparents or single parents.

“Life is so harsh that the majority cannot afford three meals a day. The meal served in the school has been the only hope for many students as they rely on it for sustenance,” said Ms Maina.

Ms Esther Maina, Principal at Kariandusi Secondary School where students depend on the food offered at the school for sustenance.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/ NMG

The principal notes that most students appear physically weak on Mondays since they did not eat in their homes over the weekend.

“We have had, on several occasions, cases of students fainting due to starvation,” Ms Maina added.

According to Ms Maina, the school records not more than a mean score of 2 in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

The Principal is thinking of starting a feeding program for the students as a way of addressing the challenge. She says, government should offer more support to schools in hardship areas.

With a population of 141 students and 10 teachers, Ms Maina said she endeavours to offer quality education to the students, as this is their sole ticket out of poverty.

Despite the challenges, area leaders among them Gilgil MP Martha Wangari have stepped in to ensure improved structures at the school.

Currently, two extra classrooms and a laboratory are under construction courtesy of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

pmambili@gmail.com

Kariandusi Secondary School, where starvation stalks students

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Pristone Mambili