This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
Published on September 5, 2019, a report by Citizen TV highlighted the struggles of Mwambolembole Primary School in Taita Taveta County, which risks closure due to low enrollment.
The school, located in Mbololo ward, Voi Constituency, has a total of 39 pupils, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere one would expect in a school setting.
According to the school headteacher, John Mwadime, over 50% of learners have left the school in the last five years, with some dropping out and others transferring to other institutions.
He attributed the massive exodus to lack of government funding, poor infrastructure, and poor performance by the school, which had a mean grade of 199 marks in last year's KCPE exams.
As the school struggles to stay afloat, it faces an uncertain future, with the increasing likelihood of a shut down due to its low operational numbers.
Esther Makumbo, a teacher at the school, expressed her concerns, stating, "The number of learners in this school have been reducing as the years progress. For instance right now I only have three pupils."
