1 student, 8 teachers: Mugwandi secondary faces closure amid enrollment crisis

Currently, the school has only one student enrolled, which has caused concern among local residents and education stakeholders.

When visiting the school, the solitary student, a Form Two learner, was found studying alone in a classroom, awaiting an English lesson. 

The desolate scene underscores the gravity of the situation.

The newly appointed principal initially declined to comment without prior approval from the County Director of Education. 

“Please, we are not allowed to talk with the media. Kindly call the County Director of Education before I permit access to the school compound,” the principal stated.

Upon contacting County Director of Education Lydiah Mutegi, permission was granted for media access. She confirmed the startling facts:

 “It is true, as you can see, there is only one student and eight teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in the school,” she said.

Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament Gachoki Gitari blamed the dire situation on delays by the Teachers Service Commission in appointing a school principal, which prompted many parents to transfer their children to other public schools. 

“We will convene a board meeting at the school to determine the way forward,” the lawmaker assured.

Some parents echoed the MP’s sentiments, while others pointed to the school’s name, “Mugwandi,” as a possible reason for its unpopularity. In Kikuyu,

“Mugwandi” translates to “downfall.” “How can my child thrive in a school with such a name?” questioned Eunice Wambui, a concerned parent.

Former students of the school have expressed deep disappointment over its potential closure. 

Anthony Kibuchi, a former Nairobi County boss and an alumnus of Mugwandi Primary School, lamented the situation. 

“I attended Mugwandi Primary before the secondary school was constructed by the NG-CDF. It is devastating to hear that the school now has only one student and eight teachers, and it might close,” he said.

The community and stakeholders are currently working on solutions to save the school.

A board meeting is expected to discuss strategies for restoring parental confidence and encouraging enrolment. 

The fate of Mugwandi Secondary School hangs in the balance as it faces one of the most critical challenges in its history.