Hope has been rekindled for hundreds of learners at Eshikulusi Primary School in Marama Central Ward after Dr. Lawrence Omuhaka pledged to fast-track the institution’s long-delayed registration by the Ministry of Education.
Speaking during the official commissioning of a modern latrine constructed by the Omuhaka Foundation, Dr. Omuhaka announced that he has taken up the matter personally following an appeal from his longtime friend and community leader, Mr. Isaac Ndunde.
The school, which currently accommodates learners from ECDE to Grade Four, has operated for years without formal registration as a public primary school despite having the required classrooms and land. The institution was initially established as an ECDE centre by former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who purchased the land and oversaw the construction of learning facilities.
Dr. Omuhaka explained that the registration process stalled because the land remains under the ownership of the County Government of Kakamega, making it impossible for the National Government to officially register the school until the ownership documents, including the title deed, are transferred.
“I have followed up the matter and I am committed to ensuring that the necessary processes are completed. By October, I expect this school to have been fully registered so that our children can learn under a recognized public institution,” said Dr. Omuhaka.
He described education as the greatest equalizer in society and urged parents to prioritize schooling for their children, noting that investing in education remains the surest way of fighting poverty and transforming communities.
“Education is the only equalizer we know. Every child deserves an opportunity to learn regardless of their background. Parents must ensure that every school-going child is in class,” he emphasized.
Dr. Omuhaka also took issue with the state of education support in Butere Constituency, criticizing the area leadership over what he termed as inadequate investment in school development and bursary allocations.
He argued that the current bursary allocation of KSh2,000 per learner was insufficient, especially at a time when the cost of education continues to rise.
“It is unfortunate that some learners receive only KSh2,000 in bursaries while in other constituencies students get as much as KSh7,000. Our children deserve better, and residents should carefully evaluate leadership based on service delivery,” he said.
The school’s Headteacher, Mrs. Josephine Ateya, lauded the Omuhaka Foundation for constructing the sanitation facility, describing it as a major milestone in improving the learning environment.
She appealed for urgent intervention to secure the school’s registration before learners progress to upper primary classes.
“We currently have learners up to Grade Four, and next year we shall be admitting Grades Five and Six. Without registration, our future remains uncertain. We humbly ask Dr. Omuhaka to continue supporting us until this process is completed,” she said.
Mrs. Ateya further highlighted the school’s challenges, including an acute shortage of teachers and inadequate learning materials, despite having met all the physical requirements for registration.
Community leader Mr. Isaac Ndunde praised Dr. Omuhaka for responding swiftly to the school’s needs after learning about its predicament.
“I was born and raised here, and the welfare of this community is close to my heart. When I visited this school and the Headteacher explained the challenges they were facing, I immediately reached out to our son, Dr. Omuhaka and today, the school has a new latrine, and more importantly, hope has been restored through his commitment to secure its registration,” said Ndunde.
He also urged parents to guide their children away from drug abuse, warning that early exposure to narcotics destroys promising futures. He further encouraged residents to elect leaders who prioritize education and community development.
In a gesture that delighted learners, Dr. Omuhaka treated every child—from ECDE to Grade Four—to lunch and milk, bringing smiles to the young pupils as he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the school’s growth.
The event was attended by parents, teachers, community leaders and education stakeholders, all expressing optimism that Eshikulusi Primary School is now on course to becoming a fully registered public primary school, opening a new chapter for learners who have waited years for official recognition.
