This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Published on September 27, 2019, the collapse of a Precious Talents Top School structure in Kenya was a tragic reminder of the country's poor school infrastructure.
The incident, which killed eight children and injured 64, raised questions about the competence of the school's owner, builder, and supervising authorities.
However, while it is legitimate to hold these individuals accountable, it is also essential to examine the role of teachers, parents, and the community in perpetuating the problem.
As The Nation has reported, many schools in Kenya lack basic amenities, with children often forced to sit on the floor or learn in makeshift classrooms.
But the provision of clean, neat, and secure school facilities is not solely the responsibility of the government or wealthy individuals.
There are many examples of community-led initiatives that have built and maintained schools with minimal resources.
For instance, in the past, many schools were built through harambee efforts, where communities came together to raise funds and construct schools.
Today, it is not difficult to make simple improvements to school infrastructure, such as building a bench for a child or repairing a chalkboard.
However, the lack of accountability and a culture of dependency have contributed to the poor state of school infrastructure in Kenya.
As Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha noted, quality assurance staff have a critical role to play in ensuring that all schools meet basic standards.
Ultimately, it is up to all of us – the community, the government, and individuals – to work together to provide every child with a fighting chance to succeed.
