New Eastleigh Primary School undergoes massive transformation as students resume studies

New Eastleigh Primary School students can finally breathe a sigh of relief after learning that their school environment is not only clean and hygienic but also conducive to their well-being and comfort.

The administration refurbished washrooms that had been in deplorable condition, posing health hazards to students in the only mixed primary school in Eastleigh North Ward. The school has a population of over 1,300 students, which prompts the administration to maintain high cleanliness levels.

According to the headteacher, Hassan Tala, the school capitalised on the extended holiday necessitated by the floods and heavy rains to undertake the refurbishments. Students were initially scheduled to report to the school on Monday, April 29 this year, before the government postponed the opening dates to May 6 and later May 13.

Hassan, while speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, highlighted the dire situation the school faced, with students, especially girls, enduring unsanitary conditions that led to health concerns. 

He explained that the lack of clean washrooms with running water had forced some students to withhold using the facilities until the evening when they went home. Others would go to the staffroom to request teachers allow them to go home during class hours and use the washrooms, forcing them to miss valuable class time. 

Headteacher Hassan said that the school was concerned with the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), attributed to poor washroom conditions. 

The main gate of the New Eastleigh Primary School in Kamukunji, Nairobi. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

The new changes 

The refurbishment project, generously funded by tech giant Safaricom to the tune of Sh1 million, has brought about a complete overhaul of the washroom facilities. 

Headteacher Hassan said that the entire block has undergone thorough cleaning, with the contractor installing water tanks to facilitate flushing toilets. Old plumbing fixtures were also removed, and worn-out doors were replaced with functional ones. 

Additionally, the school administration ensured the washrooms were equipped with proper ventilation to enhance hygiene standards.

The impact of this initiative was evident as students and teachers expressed their relief and gratitude upon returning to school on Monday.

New Eastleigh Primary School drilled a new borehole to provide more water to students. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Abdi Maalin, a parent of two Grade 7 pupils, commended the initiative, emphasising the importance of clean washrooms for the well-being of students.

"This is a good initiative. Washrooms should be very clean and as a parent, I am impressed," said Abdi. 

Reports indicate that New Eastleigh Primary School has grappled with issues such as water scarcity, academic underperformance, drugs, and truancy. However, the headteacher stated that his administration had taken measures to curb all the vices.

"Definitely, the cases will reduce. We are really grateful," Hassan assured stakeholders and he also appreciated those who supported the school. 

Fresh murals painted at New Eastleigh Primary School in Kamukunji, Nairobi. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Last year, in the defunct Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams, New Eastleigh Primary School was the most improved and best public primary school in Kamukunji Constituency.

With a mean score of 272.34, the school garnered an improvement of 12.4 marks compared to the 2022 KCPE results.

The truancy and drug issues were solved while the water crisis was put to bed after the county government drilled an ultra-modern borehole, which currently provides more than enough water to the school.

The government also delivered textbooks to the school last term, motivating teachers and students. 

To enhance its beauty, the administration painted fresh murals on its walls. Previously unattractive, there is now a noticeable sense of renewed energy and optimism when entering the compound.

However, the school still faces challenges, including replacing old, large window panes. According to the headteacher, the window panes cost Ksh6,000 per pane, but he aims to replace them with smaller ones at Sh320 each. 

New washrooms constructed at New Eastleigh Primary School.(Photo Abdirahman Khalif)