Rangwe: The long wait is finally over for the students and staff at Olare Senior School as they received a new school bus procured through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). For almost two decades, students at the school watched their peers from other institutions arrive for interschool competitions, educational trips, and co-curricular events in branded school buses, while they relied on hired vehicles to attend similar activities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the arrival of the new bus marks a significant milestone for the school, as it is expected to restore academic enthusiasm among the students and ultimately ease its long-standing transport challenges. Rangwe Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Lilian Gogo, who handed over the 51-seater bus to the school in Kochia Ward, said the initiative was part of broader efforts to improve learning conditions and facilitate students with the resources needed to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.
Dr. Gogo stated that Olare Senior School, formerly Olare Mixed Secondary School, deserved the school bus because of its long history as one of the oldest schools in Kochia Ward. She expressed her gratitude and excitement, emphasizing the significance of the bus as the 22nd she had procured since assuming office, with a target of providing 37 buses across the constituency. The buses are expected to enable learners to attend educational tours, sporting events, scientific activities, and other co-curricular programmes without the logistical challenges they previously faced.
The MP also mentioned the bus as a community asset that could benefit residents beyond the school. Olare Senior School had earlier received more than Sh1 million in bursary support, which helped clear fees for most of the learners. Dr. Gogo urged parents to take a more active role in ensuring their children remain in school and complete their education.
The school’s Chief Principal, Rose Onditi, described the handover as a historic moment for the institution, emphasizing that efforts to acquire a school bus had been ongoing for about two decades. Onditi highlighted the previous struggles in transporting students to activities, often relying on hired vehicles that were inadequate. She expressed optimism that the new bus would enhance students’ participation in educational excursions and other co-curricular activities while contributing to better academic performance.
Onditi also acknowledged the support from Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, particularly in constructing a girls’ dormitory, and appealed for similar support for a boys’ dormitory. The principal thanked Dr. Gogo for the bursary support, noting that the latest allocation allowed the school to clear fees for all Form Three students, although Form Four learners, particularly boarders, continued to face financial challenges.
