The relentless pursuit to make Lugari a center of excellence in education by area MP Nabii Nabwera has received yet another major hurdle after schools in the constituency recorded underwhelming performances in the just announced Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results.
While schools in neighboring areas celebrate commendable outcomes, only five candidates from Lugari Constituency managed to surpass the 400-mark threshold.
Notably, Mariam Salim of Macho Muslim Primary School secured 408 marks, Brian Namai of Umoja Methodist Academy achieved 407 marks, and Joseph Glassen Apayi of St. Paul’s Lugari Primary scored 406 marks. Two additional candidates from Chimoi Primary and Maturu Primary also achieved impressive scores, attaining 406 and 402 marks, respectively.
Only a handful of schools in the constituency obtained a mean score of 250 or higher, including Mbajo Primary (279), St. Mary’s Boarding Mautuma (299), and Lumakanda Township Primary (269).
Nabii Nabwera’s quest for better education put to test
Since assuming office, Mr. Nabwera has tirelessly courted donors, allocated funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and engaged in various initiatives to enhance educational infrastructure and programs in Lugari.
His “ondoa matope” initiative, aimed at replacing dilapidated structures with modern, permanent buildings, has earned him admiration from both friends and foes.
As part of his strategy, Nabwera, who is relentlessly trying to prove to residents why he needs a second term in 2027, has been actively involved in schools, fostering relationships with teachers and students.
However, his efforts are receiving a major setback. Notably, a recent dig-in by WKT has uncovered a growing number of school dropouts, with four already identified in just a single village in Lugari Ward.
Despite his commendable efforts, the MP’s commitment is now being tested, as the significant investments may not yield immediate improvements in academic results, at least not as soon as the next four years, maybe to warrant the MP a bargain for a second term.
More important to note is that education challenges in Lugari extend beyond infrastructure; they encompass the quality of teaching staff and the apparent laxity of Ministry of Education officials.
The uphill battle to transform Lugari into an educational powerhouse not only demands substantial investments but also a holistic approach to address systemic issues affecting education in the constituency.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.
