Kenya: West Pokot County has embarked on an ambitious plan to establish model comprehensive schools in every ward, a move expected to transform learning infrastructure, improve education outcomes, and address persistent disparities in access and retention.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is being implemented under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) programme, a World Bank-funded programme by the Ministry of Education aimed at improving learning outcomes, enhancing gender parity in transition and retention, and reducing regional disparities in education. Stakeholders from across the county convened at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria to deliberate on the identification of schools that will benefit from the programme and ensure equitable distribution of the proposed facilities.
The programme proposes three model comprehensive schools in every ward, integrating primary, junior, and senior schools within one educational complex. In wards hosting special needs education (SNE) schools, an additional institution will be proposed as a model comprehensive SNE school alongside the three regular comprehensive schools.
West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni highlighted the programme’s significance amidst the county’s struggles with low literacy, enrolment, retention, and completion rates. He emphasized that well-equipped comprehensive schools would bridge education gaps and provide children from marginalized areas greater opportunities for quality learning.
County Director of Education Yophes Magara outlined that the programme aims to create modern learning environments capable of improving education standards and outcomes. Each selected complex will comprise primary, junior, and senior schools, enabling learners to progress through the different levels within an integrated educational setting.
Magara added that the programme would support the construction and enhancement of classrooms, special learning rooms, integrated learning resource centres, laboratories, hygiene facilities, playgrounds, and administrative offices. Selection criteria for beneficiary schools will focus on equitable distribution, land adequacy, potential catchment area, accessibility, and proximity to essential services.
West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Education Rebecca Kide welcomed the initiative as a significant opportunity to enhance the county’s education infrastructure. She expressed the county government’s commitment to collaborating with the national government to ensure the programme’s success.
Stakeholders also discussed preparedness for the 2026 national examinations, the third term activities, and the anticipated El Ni±o rains, emphasizing the need for vigilance to ensure learner safety. The identification of model comprehensive schools is anticipated to reshape the education landscape in West Pokot, bringing modern infrastructure and learning resources closer to communities historically challenged in accessing quality education.
