Six Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) were commissioned on Wednesday in Marakwet West Sub-County, bringing the total number of commissioned JSS in the area to 11.
The initiative is part of the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) program, a World Bank-funded project providing Sh1 million per classroom under phases 1, 2, and 3, with the Ministry of Education funding construction of more classrooms in phase 4 through capitation.
Speaking during the commissioning event, Marakwet West Sub-County Education Director, Kipyego A. Sang highlighted the progress made in the various phases.
“Marakwet West has benefitted from four phases of the program. In phase one, we had six schools with a total of nine classrooms. Phase two saw 29 schools with 30 classrooms, while phase three schools had five classrooms. In phase four, 39 schools will have one classroom each,” Sang said.
Sang explained that the schools commissioned under phase one include one classroom at Kipkenerr JSS, Kamoi’s JSS two classrooms, Kibigos JSS one classroom, and Kapsowar one classroom. Four classrooms are yet to be commissioned, including two at Kapchepit JSS and two at St. John’s Kaptamutt Junior Secondary School.
During the phase two commissioning Wednesday, six classrooms were inaugurated, with one classroom each at Hossen, Kipsaiya, Lawich, Cheptulon, Kokwongoi, and Chepkawai JSS.
“Phase two is ongoing, with 24 schools at various stages of completion. Thirteen classrooms are ready and will be commissioned within a week,” Sang explained.
Marakwet West currently has 107 JSS, with only 77 funded by the National Government while the fate of 23 schools remains bleak as the National Government Constituency Development Fund facilitated the construction of classrooms in seven schools.
“We are optimistic that the Ministry of Education will roll out a fifth phase to address the needs of the remaining schools,” Sang added.
The Director noted that some contractors have delayed mobilising materials and starting work, which has caused significant delays. All classrooms were supposed to be ready by January, but progress has been slower than anticipated. Additionally, a few contractors initially attempted substandard work, but committees headed by headteachers and board members on the ground are closely monitoring to ensure quality standards are met.
“Kapchepit JSS faced delays in phase one due to inaccessible sites during the rainy season. However, the contractor has since resolved these issues and is progressing well,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Sang expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s current performance.
Regarding the status of phase three, Sang noted that the Ministry has not yet provided funding. However, he stated that the procurement processes are underway, with tenders having been advertised, and the evaluation to identify successful bidders is ongoing.
By Rennish Okong’o