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Poverty and banditry in Kitui turn education into distant dream
04th February, 2026 04:53 PM
Ann Kangai, a former Kanyengya Junior School pupil in Tharaka, Mumoni division, Mwingi North, Kitui County, is among many distraught 2024 KPSEA exam candidates in the county who, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, had not transitioned to senior schools due to a lack of fees.
Speaking to K24 Digital on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Ann said she scored 56 points and was selected to join Grade 10, the pioneer class under the Competency-Based Education (CBE), at Kimangao Girls School in Kyuso, Mwingi.
The story is similar for Brian Musembi, formerly of Utawala Comprehensive School, Kisasi, who scored 62 points and was admitted to St Charles Lwanga School in Kitui.
Millantah Wanza, who garnered 60 points at Kunikila Comprehensive School in Kitui West and was selected to join Kyondoni Girls School in the same constituency, has not reported either.
Challenges hinder education
The pupils, whose list is long, carry sad memories they would wish were erased.
They narrate how drought, poverty, poor infrastructure, insecurity, and banditry have curtailed their ability to attend senior schools as expected.
The combined challenges had prevented the pupils from pursuing their dreams in high learning—until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when compassion and generosity intervened.
Reports indicate that hundreds of pupils who are supposed to be in school are missing classes or have dropped out, particularly in Mwingi North, Kitui South, and Kitui East.
In Mwingi North, armed herders caused schools to be deserted. Mandongoi Primary School was left entirely empty as parents fled with their children due to insecurity, creating a “ghost village” scenario.
At Imumba Primary School in Zombe, Kitui East, many pupils learn under trees because the school infrastructure is collapsing.
Drought has caused food shortages, leading pupils to faint from hunger and drop out to engage in child labour, including sand harvesting and charcoal burning, to meet basic needs.
While President William Ruto directed that no student should be denied admission due to a lack of fees or uniforms, many schools still struggle with fee defaulters and rely on parents to cover costs.
Bursaries restore hope
Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu convened a meeting of vulnerable pupils and their parents at the Kitui Multipurpose Training Institute and announced plans to rescue their education by issuing bursaries.
During the launch, Dr Kasalu presented a cheque for Ksh9,798,552 to 61 Grade 10–12 pupils joining various senior schools within and outside Kitui County.
She said the money will benefit learners from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ann, Musembi, Wanza, and many others were overcome by emotions, shedding tears of joy.
Dr Kasalu said through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) bursary, she considers human capital development a pillar supporting other sectors.
“It is for these and many other underlying forces that I put education among the top priorities, advocating for marginalised groups, strong oversight on resource use, and well-targeted programmes,” she said.
She added that investing in youth is not merely funding education but nurturing the leaders, innovators, and thinkers of today and tomorrow.
Kasalu said her initiatives have improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for thousands of Kitui residents.
She also stated that, if elected governor in 2027, she will introduce school feeding programmes and transform the pro-poor bursary programme from partial to full scholarships.
“Every bursary awarded, every youth trained, and every life uplifted represents our shared vision for a more equitable Kitui and Kenya,” she said.
