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Lugari, Kenya — The 8-4-4 education system, a defining structure in Kenya for over three decades, is nearing its end. As 2027 approaches, the last cohort of students will sit for their KCSE exams under the 8-4-4 system, ushering in a new curriculum. But for many who dropped out of school during the years of 8-4-4, especially those who left at Form 2 or Form 3, this transition presents a stark reality — without completing their secondary education now, they may never have a chance to obtain a KCSE certificate again.
This looming deadline is especially significant for the hundreds of students across the country who were forced to abandon their studies due to various social and economic challenges. In Lugari constituency, where poverty and limited access to resources have exacerbated dropout rates, the situation is dire.
A New Beginning for Lugari’s Dropouts
However, hope is on the horizon. Nabii Nabwera, the area Member of Parliament, is spearheading an initiative to bring these dropouts back into the classroom before it’s too late. In an unprecedented move, Nabwera has secured sponsorship for all secondary school dropouts in his constituency, encouraging them to return to school and complete their education under the 8-4-4 system.
In an online engagement on the popular WhatsApp group, The Voice of Lugari, the MP assured his constituents of his commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
“I encourage all those who dropped out of school in Form One, Two, Three, or Four to get back to the nearest secondary school. I have secured sponsorship to ensure they can complete the remaining classes. With the change of curriculum, this is their last chance,” Nabwera said passionately.
His statement has ignited a wave of optimism in Lugari, especially among individuals who had once believed their dreams of completing secondary education were permanently lost.
Challenges of the Past: A Grim Picture
Kenya’s education system has seen many students, particularly girls, forced to drop out before completing secondary school. Factors such as early teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have disproportionately affected girls. These challenges, compounded by Gender-Based Violence (GBV), have shattered many young girls’ dreams of reaching their academic potential.
For boys, the picture has been equally disheartening. Poverty, lack of school fees, and difficult family backgrounds have pushed many into child labor, with some opting to engage in the boda-boda business or manual work to support their families. The fight for survival often outweighs the desire for education, leading to a significant number of male dropouts.
For these young men and women, the door to formal education seemed permanently closed — until now.
Education: The Great Equalizer
MP Nabwera’s efforts go beyond bringing dropouts back to school. His holistic approach to education in Lugari highlights his belief that education is the ultimate equalizer, capable of transforming lives regardless of background or economic status.
One of his flagship initiatives, the “Creaming Program,” focuses on refining top performers in schools, giving the brightest students the resources and guidance they need to excel. Alongside this, he has introduced mentorship programs that are designed to nurture students, helping them retain critical skills and encouraging them to pursue academic excellence.
For students struggling academically, Nabwera has also launched the “Operation Reduce the Tail” initiative. This program is tailored to help low-performing students realize their potential and achieve better results, proving that even those who start slow can finish strong.
Transforming School Infrastructure
Nabwera’s dedication to education doesn’t stop at policy; he has invested heavily in improving school infrastructure across the constituency. Through his Ondoa Matope project, muddy-walled classrooms that once symbolized the harsh learning conditions in Lugari have been replaced with modern, safe learning environments. Several new classroom blocks and even multi-story buildings have been constructed in schools throughout the region, a testament to his vision of creating better educational opportunities for all.
Currently, various school improvement projects are ongoing, signaling that the MP’s efforts are far from over. As he continues to roll out these transformative projects, the entire community stands to benefit from the renewed focus on education.
A Second Chance for Lugari’s Youth
The education reforms in Lugari spearheaded by MP Nabwera are a beacon of hope, particularly for those whose circumstances had seemingly sealed their fate. For the many young women working as housekeepers in the Gulf to support their families or the boys engaged in boda-boda businesses, the opportunity to return to school represents a second chance — a chance to rewrite their futures.
As Kenya’s 8-4-4 curriculum winds down, Lugari’s school dropouts have one last shot at earning a KCSE certificate, thanks to their MP’s bold and compassionate initiative. With the sponsorship program now in place, the dream of completing secondary education is within reach for many. Nabwera’s message is clear: it’s never too late to return to school, and with education, there is always hope for a brighter future.
As the new curriculum takes shape, the story of Lugari serves as a powerful reminder that no student, regardless of their past, should be left behind.
