Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa, shed light on the lesser-known challenges faced by Nyakach Girls Secondary School, located in the Kisumu County of Kenya. While Nyakach is often associated with the legendary Omieri snake according to Eugene, the school stands out as a beacon of academic excellence, catering to over 3600 students. However, financial constraints have cast a shadow over its operations, impacting its ability to provide for its students adequately.
During a recent visit to the school, Wamalwa expressed his pleasure in fellowshiping with the students and staff but highlighted the harsh reality they face. The school, like many others, grapples with insufficient funds and delayed capitation from the government, particularly under the Kenya Kwanza KK regime. These financial setbacks have resulted in significant challenges, especially for a large institution like Nyakach Girls Secondary.
One of the primary concerns raised by Wamalwa is the school’s substantial food requirements. Nyakach Girls Secondary needs two bulls per meal and approximately 50 bags of maize per week to feed its students adequately. This immense demand for resources underscores the magnitude of the school’s operation and the vital role it plays in nurturing the academic potential of its students.
To alleviate some of the burden faced by the school, Wamalwa took proactive steps by donating bulls for Easter. Accompanied by the area Member of Parliament, Honorable Aduma Owuor, Wamalwa’s gesture aimed to provide immediate relief to the teachers and students. Moreover, he commended the school for its commendable performance, noting that 326 students were admitted directly to the university last year. Encouragingly, the school aims to surpass this achievement by sending 500 out of 700 students to the university this year, a testament to its commitment to academic excellence.
However, the challenges confronting Nyakach Girls Secondary School extend beyond immediate financial needs. The delay in capitation by the government has hindered the school’s efforts to develop necessary infrastructure. Without adequate funding, vital projects aimed at enhancing the learning environment and facilities remain stalled, impeding the overall educational experience for students.
The plight of Nyakach Girls Secondary School underscores broader issues within Kenya’s education system, where inadequate funding and delayed disbursement of resources continue to hinder the advancement of educational institutions. As the backbone of any nation’s development, education must be prioritized, ensuring that all students have access to quality learning environments and resources necessary for their academic growth.
In light of these challenges, stakeholders, including government authorities, policymakers, and the local community, must collaborate to address the systemic issues affecting schools like Nyakach Girls Secondary. By prioritizing education and allocating sufficient resources, Kenya can nurture the potential of its youth and pave the way for a brighter future.
As the Easter season approaches, Wamalwa’s gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity in supporting vulnerable communities, particularly in their pursuit of education. With concerted efforts and collective support, Nyakach Girls Secondary School and similar institutions can overcome their challenges and continue to thrive as centers of academic excellence, enriching the lives of countless students and contributing to the socio-economic development of Kenya.

