All-day secondary schools in Kiharu Constituency have reduced school fees to just Ksh 500 per term in a bold and transformative move that is already being hailed as a landmark intervention in education access.
Even more remarkable is the fact that this reduced fee includes daily lunch for all students as well as a unique addition that boosts morale: chapati is served every last Friday of the month.
Education has increasingly become a significant financial burden for many parents at a time when household budgets across the country are being squeezed by rising living costs.
In public secondary schools, one of the main factors contributing to absenteeism, dropout, and poor academic performance has been the cost of schooling. The Kiharu model directly addresses this issue by ensuring that neither students nor children are required to study on an empty stomach or sent home due to a lack of funds.
The introduction of lunch on a daily basis is especially significant. Nutritional health has consistently been shown to have a direct impact on academic performance, attendance, and concentration. Kiharu schools are not only feeding their students, but they are also investing in better learning outcomes by ensuring that each student eats at least one healthy meal per day.
This lunch may be the most reliable meal of the day for many students who come from low-income households. Although it may appear to be symbolic, the decision to serve chapati on the last Friday of each month has deeper implications. Chapati, which is frequently regarded as a meal for a "special occasion" in many households, brings dignity, motivation, and joy to the educational setting.
It creates a sense of accomplishment and community, making school an experience that students look forward to rather than dread. This initiative provides relief to parents and guardians who have struggled to keep their children in school amid rising costs in addition to the immediate advantages for students.
Families will be able to strengthen household stability and the local economy by refocusing their limited resources on healthcare, farming, or small businesses as a result of fee reductions.
The education model from Kiharu also serves as a strong example for other groups. It demonstrates that, with political will and effective planning, high-quality education can be accessible and humane. It also challenges leaders to rethink budget priorities.
Kiharu has positioned education as a long-term investment in human capital rather than an expense. The true impact of this policy will be measured not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of improved performance, decreased rates of dropout, and rekindled hope among students as enrollment increases and attendance stays the same. This is more than just a price cut for Kiharu; it is a declaration that every child deserves a fair chance to learn, eat, and dream.
Post a Comment