Since ascending to office, the Malava Member of Parliament has consistently pledged to deliver on his education manifesto, with a strong focus on bursary distribution and infrastructure development.

On Tuesday, the MP held a meeting with 53 secondary school principals from across the sub-county, during which they shared the current state of their schools, particularly infrastructure gaps and areas requiring improvement. The principals, who are key stakeholders in the education sector, discussed challenges affecting teaching and learners.

The MP commended the principals for adhering to the presidential directive allowing students to remain in school even when parents are yet to clear school fees. He acknowledged their cooperation and commitment to ensuring continuity in learning.

While addressing the meeting, the MP explained the rationale behind forming an advisory committee to support him at various levels. These include the Education Committee, Environmental committee and the Security Committee. The Education Committee has been mandated to advise on school infrastructure development, bursary distribution, and staffing needs in schools.

The committee chaired by Dr. Elisha Nyamu of Shamberere National Polytechnic, Anthony Shango, Shibweche, Daniel Wanami, Dr. Kataka Margaret, Dr. Mutonye of Kibabii University, and Mr. Shihundu. Dr. Nyamu clarified that the committee works independently of the CDF office and is made up of volunteers committed to giving back to society, serving without any form of remuneration or pay at expenses of tax money

He outlined the committee’s role in bursary allocation, noting that after the CDF committee conducts its vetting to identify deserving students, the Education Committee will provide additional scrutiny to ensure equity and fairness in distribution.

The committee will also oversee infrastructure development in schools by identifying ongoing projects, stalled projects, and proposing new projects that add value to institutions.

Additionally, the committee will help address staffing shortages in Malava Sub-county, which currently has an inadequate number of TSC teachers following the subdivision of the constituency. The committee will advise the MP on areas where teachers can be sourced to bridge the gap.

It was emphasized that the Education Committee does not replace the CDF Committee, as each has a distinct mandate, though their roles complement one another.

Several issues affecting schools were highlighted. Among them was the need to improve infrastructure, including the construction of an administration block at Shikutse. There was also a proposal to improve the road network from the southern side, as presented by Laban Sikolia. Schools raised concerns about the need for modern facilities under the CBC curriculum. Some schools that already have adequate facilities, such as Malava Boys, have sufficient playgrounds. Other schools should be supported to establish facilities like music laboratories in different zones to encourage diversification. The West Zone, for example, needs at least a sub-county school, yet currently has only one school with four streams serving about 700 students on half an acre of land, which makes implementation difficult.

There is also a need to sensitize the community, as many parents have left the responsibility of student care entirely to teachers. Limited land, especially where school land has been curved out from primary schools, remains a challenge. Many schools also aspire to acquire school buses.

There is a need for computers and trained computer teachers, as well as renovation and construction of science laboratories, especially to support the STEM pathway.

Shamberere National Polytechnic was challenged to partner with secondary schools to support the teaching of technical subjects. This includes guidance on how to introduce subjects such as woodwork and metalwork. Additionally, projects developed by students during science congresses should be implemented as practical projects within Malava schools

In response to rising cases of indiscipline in schools, the committee will also offer guidance and counselling to parents, teachers, and students, promoting positive relationships and comprehensive discipline within learning institutions.

The MP stressed that the committee was not formed to supervise or interfere with the work of principals, but rather to serve as an advisory body to support the education sector in Malava

The area MP promised to try to resolve cross-cutting issues affecting most secondary schools in the region. During his address, he insisted that despite inadequate resources from the CDF, he would seek support from friends of goodwill to step in where the CDF budget could not reach. He also promised to work equally with principals without discrimination and to share the available resources fairly.