Nairobi MPs push for collaboration to end school overcrowding
According to the Committee, many Nairobi schools in densely populated areas serve students from multiple constituencies, making joint planning essential.
Nairobi MPs have called for closer collaboration between neighbouring constituencies in funding and implementing development projects, particularly to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the city’s overburdened schools.
The recommendation came during the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Committee’s ongoing inspection of Junior Secondary School (JSS) projects funded through a Sh1 billion special grant in Nairobi County.
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The Committee, chaired by Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, was on the second day of a city-wide site tour when it highlighted the urgent need for shared resources in urban schools.
According to the Committee, many Nairobi schools in densely populated areas serve students from multiple constituencies, making joint planning essential.
A successful example of infrastructure development was witnessed at GSU Secondary School in Ruaraka, where funding was partly sourced from Roysambu Constituency’s NG-CDF allocation.
The school, situated within the GSU headquarters, accommodates learners from both Ruaraka and Roysambu, particularly those from nearby informal settlements.
"This is clearly the way to go to ensure we reach as many beneficiaries as possible," said MP Sirma, emphasising that Nairobi schools face unique challenges such as limited land, which makes multi-storey buildings a practical solution for classrooms and accommodation facilities.
"With no land space for expansion to accommodate more learners, going up is clearly the only way out," he added, noting that some city schools have classes with over 100 students each.
During the inspection tour, the Committee visited JSS facilities across Dagoretti South, Dagoretti North, Westlands, Kibra, Roysambu, Kasarani, and Ruaraka constituencies.
In Dagoretti North, MP Beatrice Elachi joined the team for visits to Lavington Girls Secondary School and Kawangware Primary School.
In Roysambu, MP Kamande Mwafrika accompanied the Committee to Njathaini Primary School. Kasarani Primary School was inspected in Kasarani Constituency, while GSU Secondary School in Ruaraka was visited with MPTom Kajwang’.
The Committee’s assessments underscore the need for coordinated interconstituency planning to ensure Nairobi’s growing student population can access adequate learning facilities without overburdening individual constituencies.
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