CDF will not fund schools affected by arson – MP

The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) will not fund the reconstruction of schools that have been burnt by students, MPs have said.

Speaking in separate functions in Malindi, Malindi MP William Mtengo and his Garsen counterpart Ibrahim Sane said they support the reforms in the education sector being spearheaded by Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i saying that they were aimed at streamlining the sector and weeding out corruption cartels.

Mtengo warned that he would not support any school in his constituency whose property has been burnt by students, adding that a lot had been invested in schools to assist learners to achieve their dreams and the investment should not to be wasted in flames.

Mtengo also called on the government to investigate the matter and arrest all those behind the crimes while also calling on parents to take the blame for not instilling discipline in their children. He noted that if a student acts like a criminal he/she should be treated like a criminal.

And while addressing journalists at a Malindi hotel, Garsen MP Ibrahim Sane condemned the recent acts of arson in schools that have left more 120 schools affected, and directed students and stakeholders to use the correct channels in addressing their grievances instead of destroying property.

He said that students should remain in school until the official closing date and students who are ready to learn be given security.

Meanwhile, political leaders are now calling for better intelligence gathering in schools to preempt student unrest and resolve their issues before they get out of hand.

Speaking in Embu County the leaders including National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi called on students to be patient as they await resolution of their issues in schools instead of torching their facilities.

Teachers have been urged to enhance their intelligence gathering skills and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Learners on the other hand have been advised to address their issues through the chains of communication provided, and desist from the temptation to destroy property to make their point.

The leaders were speaking at Kangaru School during this year’s academic excellence day.

Just yesterday President Uhuru Kenyatta singled out the issue of examination cheating to have fuelled the torching of at least 120 schools. The president is of the view that after the Ministry of Education reviewed the examination administration process; cheating loopholes had been sealed, robbing off leakage peddlers of an economic gold mine.

Last night, a dormitory was set on fire at Kwale High School, a tragic reminder that the wave of crime through arson attacks in many schools continues to pose a danger to many institutions.

Additional reporting by Josiah Mugo