Former academic heavyweights Nyambaria, Sironga Girls and Nyaikuro Secondary schools have been urged to bounce back from academic darkness, years after losing their national glory.
Speaking on Monday at his offices in Kisii town, renowned scholar Prof Nyanchieo Bogonko lamented the deterioration of performance by the three institutions but remained optimistic that they will bounce back to the national limelight.
Bogonko, a Makerere University and the University of London historian, accused members of the community and local political networks of being behind the persistent dismal performances in the institutions.
“Schools like Sironga, Nyambaria and Nyaikuro from Nyamira County were once on top in national examinations. However, we all understand the influence of local politics and community feuds that are synonymous with our institutions,” Bogonko said.
According to him, the show is likely to change in this year’s exams following concerted efforts by a number of academicians from Nyamira and neighboring Kisii in sensitising the community against interfering with the running of institutions.
“I am optimistic that the institutions in question will bounce back because we have been carrying out sensitisation programs to advice our politicians and parents against interfering with the management of our institutions,” he added.
Bogonko was hosting a number of head teachers from various institutions in Nyamira County who had paid him a courtesy call, led by Sironga principal Hellen Mabese ahead of the launch of his new book called: 'History of Progressive Education in East Africa'.
Nyamira County with an average mean of 8.78, with St Charles Lwanga, Ichuni Girls topping in both Nyamira and Kisii counties in the 2014 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCSE).