Alcoholism and lack of staff blamed for poor academics

Kiambu, Kenya: District Education Officers (DEOs) have cited alcoholism, shortage of staff and child labour in coffee and tea estates in Kiambu as the factors affecting education in the county.

Speaking at the Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology during an evaluation exercise of last years KCPE results yesterday, the DEOs also attributed the poor show in education to lack of role models, proximity to Nairobi, early marriages, negative attitude towards education and shortage of staff at the education offices.

Gatundu North DEO George Wachira said lack of Government transport also hinders education in his area.

"The terrain in my area is very challenging yet we do not have a Government vehicle to enable us to visit different schools to check on the progress of education," said Mr Wachira.

Wachira said successful people from the area only visit during the Christmas season as they work and live outside the county, hence denying young learners role models.

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County Director of Education Boniface Gitau challenged the respective MPs to use their constituency delopment funds and help buy vehicles for education officers in the area or lobby Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi to release funds for purchase of vehicles.

Mr Gitau however said alcohol and drug abuse was not unique to the county but a nationwide issue that should be used to justify poor results in education.

The meeting was also attended by Kiambu MP Jude Njomo and Woman Representative Ann Nyokabi.