Governor Pledges to Uplift Education in the County

Meru Governor H.E. Kiraitu Murungi has promised to work with all stakeholders in the education sector to make Meru one of the top performing counties in the country. Speaking during the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA)-Meru Chapter forum at Meru School, Governor Kiraitu said his administration recognizes education as a critical pillar in the realization of Meru Vision 2040 goals of transforming the County. He said that he will work with KESSHA to ensure the body is empowered to be able to support teachers, who are critical success factors in education.

Citing the 100% transition policy whose implementation is well underway, the Governor observed the accompanying challenges which he said mirror those experienced during President Kibaki’s era when free primary school education was introduced. He asked the principals to work closely in understanding with the County Department of Education, adding that this year, his government has allocated Sh140 million to support needy and deserving learners in secondary schools through bursaries.

The County boss also challenged the school heads to embrace formation of Former Students Associations (FSAs), saying that these will serve as support groups for the sector by providing mentorship and infrastructural development, alongside the normal structure of governance in the institutions. Murembu Day Secondary School in Igoji West, improved its mean score by 2.0 last year, after the school embraced FSA.

The Governor also urged the school heads to actively participate in the upcoming forums on BBI, so that their views are captured on education and other matters, given their standing in the society as intellectuals. County Education Board Chairman Prof. George Muthaa pledged that his board will work closely with the Governor and his administration to ensure Meru raises its secondary school mean score to 5.1 in last year, from previous year’s 4.0.