Busia leaders blame parents for declining academic standards

Parents have been accused of contributing to Busia County’s dismal academic performance, with only three students attaining grade A in the 2024 KCSE exam.

Speaking during the Samia sub-County Education Day at Nyakwaka Girls Secondary School in Funyula, Prof Okumu Bigambo accused parents of abdicating their roles.

“We must have a serious conversation as parents and stakeholders. How can an entire county get only three As, yet in other regions, one school can produce over 200 As?”

Funyula MP Oundo Mudenyo blamed poor performance on social ills such as disco matanga.

“It can’t be that Busia is only known for gender-based violence and child-related crimes. We were among the first to produce professors in this republic. What happened to that glory?” Posed Dr Oundo.

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Prof Bigambo decried the trend of parents leading efforts to oust school heads instead of supporting them, saying that such actions sabotage education progress.

“If as a parent you are not ready to support the school around you, please don’t be the champion of destruction,” he said.

Funyula MP further announced the launch of a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to trace all out-of-school children, including learners with disabilities, in line with the government’s policy on universal access to education.

He flagged off the disbursement of Sh42 million in bursaries to support bright but needy learners.

Samia Sub-county Education Director Susan Mitei challenged parents to take an active role in their children’s academic progress and reinforcing discipline and values at home.

“Parents, guardians, and caregivers are crucial partners in the education process. Without their commitment, schools cannot succeed alone,” she said.

Despite Busia’s overall struggles, Samia Sub-county recorded some improvement.

Nineteen out of 21 schools posted better KCSE results in 2024, with 785 students achieving university entry grade of C+ and above — a 28.2 per cent success rate.

However, 793 students scored D plain and below, amounting to a 28.5 per cent wastage.

The sub-county, which recorded a mean score of 5.045, was ranked second after Butula. Bujwanga Secondary emerged as the most improved school with a positive deviation of 1.479.

Nevertheless, poor performance in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology remains a concern, prompting stakeholders to reconsider career pathways for learners.

The theme of the event was “Effective and Responsible Parenting for Quality Education.”