Hope Reborn at Kipkombot as Enrollment Rises from 20 to 155 Learners

By Wasike Elvis 

Kipkombot Primary and Junior Secondary School in Nandi County is experiencing a remarkable turnaround, with enrollment increasing nearly eightfold in just three years, thanks to the combined efforts of alumni, church leaders, teachers and well-wishers.

During a visit to the institution, Acting Headteacher Patricia Jelagat recounted the school’s humble and challenging beginnings in 2023, when it had only 20 learners and faced serious infrastructure constraints.

“When I took over, the population was just 20 learners. Because of that low number, the school was not given priority for a Junior Secondary School classroom,” she said. “Today, we have 155 learners, and among them are 37 students in Grade 7 and Grade 8. That growth alone speaks volumes.”

The introduction of Junior Secondary under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has presented new demands for infrastructure and resources across the country. For Kipkombot, low enrollment initially meant missing out on early development opportunities. However, the rising student population has now positioned the school as a growing academic center within the community.

Infrastructure and Learning Environment Improved

Jelagat noted that the school was previously in a dilapidated condition, with aging buildings and limited facilities. The transformation began when alumni, led by Dr. Rotich, alongside other stakeholders, stepped in to renovate classrooms and improve the learning environment.

“We thank Dr. Rotich, an alumnus of this school, and other stakeholders who have taken the initiative to make Kipkombot a beautiful environment for learning,” she said. “The difference between then and now is very clear.”

Classrooms have been improved, learning spaces made more conducive and morale among both teachers and learners boosted. Jelagat expressed confidence that with the improved facilities, teachers are now better positioned to support learners academically and in co-curricular activities.

Feeding Program Curbs Absenteeism

One of the most impactful interventions at the school has been the introduction of a feeding program.

Previously, many learners would go home during lunch breaks and fail to return due to lack of food at home. The situation led to frequent absenteeism and affected academic performance.

“Before, many of our learners were absent because when they went home, they would not find anything to eat,” Jelagat explained. “Now they take lunch in school, and we currently do not have absentee learners. The population has increased because parents are confident their children are cared for.”

The feeding program has been supported by AIC Bishop Moses Serem, who donated maize to sustain school meals.

Speaking during the visit, Bishop Serem said he has been running a school feeding initiative for the past eight years, supporting two institutions—Kipkombot Primary and Junior Secondary among them.

“This school was once in a very dilapidated condition, but now there is a big difference,” he said. “The maize we brought has helped the students stay in school. There is no absenteeism because they are assured of lunch.”

He urged other well-wishers and leaders to emulate the spirit of giving demonstrated by alumni and friends of the school.

Rising Confidence and Sporting Talent

Beyond academics, the school is also making strides in co-curricular activities, particularly athletics.

“Last week we were at games, and our pupils have confidence. They have built their self-efficacy,” Jelagat said. “Most of them are second to none when it comes to athletics. I know we are going to go far with them.”

She expressed optimism that the school could nurture future national and global champions, citing Kenyan athletics icons such as Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge as examples of what young learners from humble backgrounds can achieve.

However, she emphasized that to fully harness this potential, the school urgently needs its playground leveled to allow proper training and participation in various sporting disciplines.

Appeal to County Government

Jelagat reminded the County Government of Nandi of a previous pledge to level the school field. She said the commitment was made when county officials visited to commission and open the school’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom.

“A year ago, the Governor was here and advised that we work on the topography of the school,” she said. “Now that our learners are demonstrating good performance, especially in athletics, we kindly remind the county government to fulfill that promise.”

Bishop Serem echoed the call, urging county leaders to support the leveling of the field to enable learners to participate effectively in extracurricular activities.

He further revealed plans to establish a boarding section for Grade 7 and Grade 8 learners, saying this would provide a stable learning environment and improve academic performance.

“We have a vision to start boarding for Grade 7 and 8 so that students can learn well and pass their examinations,” he said, calling on the community to support the initiative.

A Vision for the Future

The leadership at Kipkombot says their ambitions go beyond infrastructure and enrollment growth. Jelagat spoke passionately about nurturing future leaders and professionals.

“We want to produce a President in the near future. We want to produce a Governor. We also want to produce champions like Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge,” she said.

With strengthened community partnerships, improved facilities, a feeding program that guarantees attendance and rising learner confidence, Kipkombot Primary and Junior Secondary School is steadily shedding its past struggles.

What was once a struggling rural institution with 20 learners now stands as a symbol of resilience, community support and the transformative power of collective action in education.