Prioritise boy child, Wetang'ula tells education stakeholders

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has called on education stakeholders to prioritise the boy child in education matters.

He emphasised the importance of inclusive education particularly that of the male child.

Speaking during a prayer day at Bungoma D.E.B Mixed Primary School in Kanduyi constituency, Bungoma County, the Speaker expressed concern regarding the neglect of the boy child in education.

"Even in my church, Christ the King Catholic Church, I noticed that out of the 30 flower children who participate, 25 are girls. It is essential that we ensure the boy child receives the attention he deserves," he said.

Wetang'ula commended teachers for their dedicated service and learners for their hard work in upholding the school's motto, "Discipline and hard work," which has led to outstanding academic achievement.

The Speaker presided over the prayer day, which aimed at encouraging and motivating Std 8 candidates preparing for their final examinations later this month.

The exams will mark the last cohort under the 8-4-4 education system in Kenya.

Wetang'ula extended his gratitude to parents for their unwavering support, which has helped make Bungoma D.E.B Mixed Primary School the second most populous primary school in the country.

The school's Principal, Tobias Khisa, revealed that the school, which began with 150 pupils in 1953, has seen its student population grow to an impressive 4,800 learners.

Wetang’ula donated over Sh10 million to initiate the construction of an Education block for the institution.

He emphasised the importance of providing students and teachers with improved access to education.

The former Bungoma senator also confirmed his commitment to reviving the Nzoia Sugar Company.

He noted that significant progress had been made in settling the company's debts and expressed optimism about the region's economic revival once the supplementary budget allocation is secured.

Meanwhile, the Speaker encouraged the country to capitalise on the expected El Nino rains, urging citizens to plant short-season crops and the government to invest in water harvesting initiatives.

He called on the leader of Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah to issue a statement regarding the nation's preparedness for the expected above average rains.

The prayer event at the school was attended by several notable figures, including area MP John Makali, Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai) and various county officials and a host of local MCAs.