Leaders have raised concern over the persistent shortage of teachers in rural schools and gaps in healthcare services, calling for urgent government intervention to address the challenges.
Speaking at St. Francis Kolongolo Girls Secondary School in Kwanza Constituency, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the acute shortage of teachers in rural institutions continues to undermine the quality of education.
Wetang’ula noted that the situation is particularly concerning given that over 100,000 teachers are already employed nationally, with an additional 20,000 set to be recruited.
He acknowledged efforts by the administration of William Ruto to improve the teacher-to-learner ratio, but maintained that disparities remain evident.
“It is unacceptable for Kolongolo Secondary and other rural schools to experience a shortage of up to 28 teachers despite the large number of teachers in the system,” he said.
He urged Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to ensure that teacher deployment is guided by fairness and actual need, rather than personal preferences for urban postings.
At the same event, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat Susan Nakhumicha took issue with the Trans Nzoia County Government over the state of healthcare services, citing serious challenges affecting facilities in the area.
Nakhumicha pointed to the strained maternity services and lack of reliable water supply, warning that the situation poses a risk to both mothers and students.
She called on the county administration to prioritize healthcare delivery and ensure that essential services are adequately funded and accessible.
“We cannot talk about development if basic healthcare services are not functioning effectively. The county must step up and address these gaps,” she said.
Wetang’ula also called on local leaders to refrain from divisive politics and instead foster unity, noting that Trans Nzoia County reflects Kenya’s diverse and cosmopolitan nature.
“Leaders must rise above political differences and focus on development and cohesion for the benefit of our people,” he added.
The leaders’ remarks highlight growing concerns over inequality in both education and healthcare services, with renewed calls for equitable resource distribution to ensure all communities are adequately served.
