Meru leaders split over plan to rank schools

Meru Governor Peter Munya [PHOTO:Courtesy]

Meru Governor Peter Munya has reiterated his government will soon release the 2014 KCPE ranking of the county’s schools.

But a section of  MPs in the county, among them North Imenti’s Rahim Dawood, have voiced opposition to the ranking and instead heaped praise on the Education ministry for abolishing it.

National exams

“It is elitist. If I had my way I would even scrap national examinations and adopt a system that adds more value for our children,” said Mr Dawood.

“Ranking is not good. It oppresses students from poor backgrounds,” he added.

Governor Munya said the county government will release a performance index of schools in Meru, next week.

 “Ranking has only been stopped at the national level. He (Education CS Jacob Kaimenyi) is just implementing Government policy. At the grassroots (county) we will rank our schools, see who is top and who is at the bottom,” said Munya.

 “We will release results of how schools in Meru have performed, soon,” added Munya.

Bitter truth

 North Igembe MP Joseph Eruaki has also differed with the governor and lauded the education cabinet secretary for the directive.

“He has implemented what others refused to do. There is no ranking in developed countries,” he said, adding that at times, being top is not everything.

“You can be top but without morals and values,” said Eruaki.

 “There is a need for all stakeholders to deliberate on the issue,” said Kathuri Murungi (Imenti South).  

North Igembe’s Kubai Kiringo, said ranking should not have been abolished.

 “Truth is better. I want to know how each of my three children are doing. I want to reward the good performers and help the others,” Kiringo said.