Community and Church Leaders Unite to Revive Kipkombot Primary School in Nandi County
“The sight of empty classrooms, dilapidated infrastructure, and children who had come to school without breakfast broke my heart.
Bishop Moses Serem (red Tshirt) and Headteacher Ann Sitienei serve hot lunchtime meals to the students of Kipkombot Primary School, a transformative moment under the community-led school feeding program that has reignited hope and boosted enrollment
In a remarkable show of unity and compassion, church leaders and the community in Kaiboi location, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County, have breathed new life into Kipkombot Primary School, one of the county’s oldest public institutions. Once teetering on the edge of closure due to a rapidly declining student population, the school is now on a path to recovery thanks to a grassroots effort led by Bishop Moses Serem of the African Inland Church (AIC) and a group of dedicated alumni headed by the Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Dr. Henry Rotich.
A School Rich in History but Battling Decline
Established in the mid-20th century, Kipkombot Primary School has been a cornerstone of education in Mosop Constituency for decades. The school is remembered fondly by alumni, many of whom have gone on to hold prestigious positions in government, academia, and the private sector. However, the past two decades saw the school fall into a state of neglect.
A combination of poor infrastructure, dwindling community support, and a lack of critical resources led to a sharp decline in enrollment. By 2022, the school, which once boasted a vibrant student body, was down to a mere 61 pupils. The situation was compounded by a high rate of teacher turnover, with many educators requesting transfers due to poor working conditions and the school’s remote location, where even basic amenities were hard to come by.
The lack of a school feeding program meant that many students attended classes hungry, a reality that severely impacted their ability to concentrate and perform academically. Local parents, facing economic hardship, struggled to provide regular meals for their children, further exacerbating the school’s challenges.
Despite its struggles, Kipkombot Primary remained a significant part of the community’s identity. Located on the edge of a vital tributary of River Nzoia, the school also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, making its survival even more critical.
A Turning Point: Media Coverage and Community Action
The dire state of Kipkombot Primary School came to light in 2022 after several media outlets highlighted its struggles. The reports sparked concern across the region, drawing attention to the urgent need for intervention. Among those moved by the school’s plight was Bishop Moses Serem of AIC, who decided to visit the school personally.
“When I came here after learning about the challenges from the media, I was deeply saddened,” Bishop Serem said. “The sight of empty classrooms, dilapidated infrastructure, and children who had come to school without breakfast broke my heart. Speaking to the pupils, I realized that many of them come from very humble backgrounds and were attending school on empty stomachs. How could they learn effectively in such conditions?”
The bishop, who himself grew up in a modest family, said the visit reminded him of his own childhood. “Were it not for the support of well-wishers, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I felt compelled to act.”
A Feeding Program Sparks Hope
Together with Dr. Henry Rotich and other alumni of the school, Bishop Serem mobilized resources to establish a school feeding program. The community rallied behind the initiative, donating bags of maize, rice, and beans to ensure that every child attending the school would receive a meal. The program has already had a profound impact, with enrollment increasing from 61 to over 125 pupils within a year.
The bishop, dressed in a red T-shirt emblazoned with Matthew 25:35 (“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink”), explained his motivation: “I have promised to continue supporting these children. They remind me of my humble beginnings, and I believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.”
Dr. Rotich, a prominent alumnus of the school, has also made significant contributions, including donating a cow and a goat to provide milk for the children. His leadership has inspired other alumni and well-wishers to contribute to the school’s revival.
Tangible Results and Renewed Optimism
The impact of the feeding program and community support has been transformative. Headteacher Ann Sitienei expressed her gratitude for the intervention, noting that the school has experienced tremendous growth both in enrollment and in the overall learning environment.
“With the Ministry of Education now supporting our efforts, we have been able to establish a Junior Secondary section, something we previously lacked. We are grateful to the bishop, Dr. Rotich, and the entire community for their unwavering support,” Sitienei said.
The school’s resurgence has also rekindled hope among parents. Antony Samoei, a parent, shared how the feeding program has improved his child’s performance in school. “Before this program, my child struggled to focus in class because of hunger. Now, I can see a big difference in their academic progress.”
Deputy Headteacher Mr. Keter highlighted another milestone for the school: a sponsored educational tour to Rivatex in Eldoret. “For many of our students, this was their first time leaving the locality. The exposure was invaluable and has inspired them to dream bigger. These are opportunities they could only imagine before,” he said.
A Call to Action
As Kipkombot Primary School continues its journey of recovery, community leaders are urging more parents to enroll their children in the school. Chief Wilbon Kemboi of Kaiboi location commended the collaboration between the government, the church, and the community. He emphasized that the school’s success is not just an educational milestone but also a step toward preserving the environment and fostering sustainable development in the region.
The story of Kipkombot Primary is one of resilience and the power of collective action. What was once a struggling school is now on a path to becoming a beacon of hope for the community. With continued support, Kipkombot Primary School is poised to reclaim its legacy as a center of excellence and opportunity for generations to come.
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