The National Government, through the Ministry of Education, has completed the construction of 327 new classrooms valued at over Sh327 million in Kericho County in preparation for the transition to Grade 10 Senior School.
Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Sosiot Centre in Belgut Sub-County, acting Kericho County Commissioner (CC), Dr Kibe Maguta, at the same time affirmed that all systems are in place for the smooth commencement of the national examinations scheduled to begin in October 21st 2025.
Dr. Maguta issued a stern warning to individuals, students, teachers, and officials who might attempt to engage in any form of examination malpractice, emphasizing that anyone found culpable would face the full force of the law.
The County Commissioner expressed concern over recent cases of student unrests in the county, revealing that 13 schools had been affected by incidents of indiscipline, including Litein High School in Bureti, where rioting students destroyed massive school facilities.
He urged learners to present their grievances through established administrative and educational channels rather than resorting to violence and destruction of property.
Dr. Maguta attributed the recent wave of student strikes to increased cases of drug and substance abuse among learners, adding that security agencies were pursuing leads to apprehend individuals involved in the distribution of narcotics, including bhang and illicit brews.
He appealed to parents to monitor their children’s behavior closely in order to establish whether they are abusing drugs and to work with education stakeholders in addressing the vice.
During the event, Dr. Maguta read the President’s Mashujaa Day speech to residents of Sosiot in a colorful ceremony attended by Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai and other national and county government officials.
The County Commissioner highlighted that the national government has initiated several programs aimed at empowering young people through job creation and entrepreneurship, citing initiatives such as the NYOTA Program, Ajira Digital, the Youth Fund, Uwezo Fund, and the Women Enterprise Fund.
On the President’s directive to grow 15 billion trees, Dr. Maguta disclosed that National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) in Kericho County had planted 2,365,726 tree seedlings this year, urging residents to continue with reforestation efforts to combat the effects of climate change.
He further reported that the county had achieved a 57 percent registration rate under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and appealed to unregistered residents to enroll in order to access affordable healthcare services across health facilities in the county.
Maguta urged the community to take proactive measures and collaborate with security agencies in eradicating illicit brews and drug abuse, noting that residents are often aware of the individuals and locations involved in the illegal trade.
He emphasized that strengthened cooperation between the community and security personnel would greatly enhance efforts to end the vice across the region.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
