'Safer learning under a tree': Mathiga parents decry dilapidated state of ECDE classrooms

Led by Board of Management (BOM) Chairperson Mathew Kariuki, the parents said the school has two ECDE classes accommodating more than 80 learners, with the PP2 classroom, which hosts 40 pupils, being the most affected.

“We have two ECDE classes, PP1 and PP2, with a total of 80 children. The PP2 classroom, which has 40 learners, could collapse at any time because of the cracks and its poor condition,” Kariuki said.

Parents said the classroom is unsafe and unsuitable for young learners.

Gerald Munene, a parent at the school, said the children would be safer learning under a tree than inside the damaged classroom.

“It's sad our children learning in such conditions. The classroom has mesh wire windows and, during this cold season, the children cannot withstand the weather. The floor is not cemented and is full of dust, which is unhealthy,” Munene said.

The concerns were echoed by other parents, including Anthony Maina and Lucy Wanjiku, who described the classroom as outdated and unfit for use.

“I studied in that classroom in 1978 and it is still standing. It should be condemned and a new one constructed. It is shameful that such a structure still exists in modern-day Kirinyaga,” Maina said.

Kariuki also cited a shortage of ECDE latrines at the school, saying parents had been forced to contribute money to construct one.

“It is not our responsibility to fund such projects. This is the work of the county government. We are only appealing for help,” he said.

Murinduko Ward MCA Charles Nyaga acknowledged the challenges, attributing them to limited resources. He said several ECDE centres in the ward face similar problems.

“We are doing our best to ensure each school at least has one ECDE classroom. The problem is not unique to Mathiga Primary School. Gold Primary School has no ECDE classroom, and the same issue affects schools such as Kathigini, Ikulungu, Miatuini and Ithiga ria Njuki,” Nyaga said.

Joseph Njeru, a resident of Mwea Constituency, said the shortage of ECDE classrooms and latrines has affected many public primary schools in Mwea East and urged leaders to address the issue urgently.

“The other day, pupils at Kutus Primary School protested over poor sanitation facilities,” Njeru said.