Rigathi Gachagua
DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated that all students must be placed in national schools based on merit.
Speaking on Friday, January 9, in a press conference, Gachagua emphasized that Kenyans must confront the ongoing issues with the quota system, especially since the introduction of devolution.
The former Deputy President pointed out that the main purpose of devolution was to highlight and address the plight of marginalized counties, ensuring equitable development and opportunities.
“Devolution has been in place since 2013, and leaders from Northern Kenya have deliberately refused to develop institutions. Since 2013, Wajir County has received Ksh99.6 billion, Marsabit County Ksh76.83 billion, Garissa County Ksh81.7 billion, and Mandera County Ksh119 billion,” he stated.
Gachagua criticized the practice where parents invest in community schools, only to see their children admitted to distant schools.
He argued that it does not make sense for parents to pour resources into improving local schools, such as building laboratories or dormitories, yet their children are placed far away, while students with lower marks are admitted to national schools.
“We have a situation where kids in Machakos have been admitted to a day school in Kericho. How does that child survive?” Gachagua posed.
The DCP leader further criticized leaders from North Eastern Kenya for their continued lecturing of other leaders, instead of utilizing the development funds allocated through devolution to improve their own schools and infrastructure.
He noted that despite receiving billions of shillings from the national government, tangible progress in development has yet to be observed in those regions.
Gachagua also reflected on the old quota system, where school principals would sit down with students and their parents to select suitable schools based on the students’ locations and needs.
“We are demanding that all children of Kenya be admitted to the best schools on merit,” Gachagua added.
