Kisumu County Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o yesterday dismissed claims that plans have been finalised to relocate Kisumu Boys’ and Kisumu Girls’ High schools from the central business district.

In a statement yesterday, Nyong’o termed the reports as misleading, noting that his statements regarding the debate were quoted out of context. He said such proposals required sober discussions and will not happen any time soon.

“It is wrong to misinterpret my comments to insinuate that learning institutions are less important in the society. As a scholar and public administrator, I know the value of education. Schools need calm and friendly environment far from the noise in the cities,” Nyong’o said.

Last Tuesday, Nyong’o, while addressing the press in Nairobi, hinted at relocation of the two institutions in a planned reorganisation of Kisumu city. His sentiments, however, sparked uproar majorly from a section of education stakeholders, who opposed the move, terming it premature and ill-intended.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Kisumu branch Executive Secretary Zablon Awange criticised the plans and called for halting of the attempt, citing lack of public participation.

Awange claimed such an attempt was ill-informed and a misplaced priority.

He said the education fraternity will reject any attempts to relocate the two schools.

Misplaced priority

“Attempts by the governor to relocate Kisumu Boys and Kisumu Girls are uncalled for, lack legal basis, are misplaced priorities and will be rejected by stakeholders. As a union, we will reject this idea,” Awange said in a statement.

On the other hand, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha, while wading into the debate, warned against such a move, noting that the schools were ‘safe’ where they are.

Magoha, who spoke at Kisumu Girls School on Saturday, asked Nyong’o to stop scaring learners.

Magoha said the relocation could only be undertaken after thorough public participation with the residents.

But yesterday, Nyong’o defended his stance on the matter, clarifying that the proposal is a long-term plan that will only be ratified based on the public views.