Iyaa primary school does not have a single permanent structure.

Located in the sleepy Chepkitale village, Mt.Elgon Subcounty, the school’s classrooms’ are made of bamboo and wood compounded with inadequate latrines.

This author visited the school, and was welcomed by a pensive headmaster, Mr. Geofry King’aa.

“We have a problem with structures.” Mr. King’aa pensively states. He adds, “the structures are made of temporary bamboo rids and wood, and teachers are demoralized due to poor housing and working conditions.”

The structures, Mr. King’aa says, become uninhabitable during rainy seasons.

School latrines in Iyaa Primary.

He explains that the nomadic nature of the community makes it difficult for children to fully attend classes as most of the time they take care of animals.

“Some learners fail to attend school since their parents keep on moving from place to place in search of greener pastures for their livestock.”

Furthermore, he says the school is plagued by early pregnancies, a situation occassioned by insecurity and lack of public awareness.

He adds that the number of boys has largely reduced in school, the head fearing they might be preparing for circumcision set for December.

“I talked to some parents who say that learners are at homes in preparations for circumcision practice which is set to begin next month as Sabaot customs dictate.”

Mr. King’aa urged donors and the government through the ministry of education to channel funds in the institution as a way of improving the level of education sector in the region.

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