Parents in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, have strongly opposed the construction of a police post and chief’s camp within the premises of Upper Sagana Primary School, citing safety and psychological concerns for their children.
The dispute erupted after angry parents and local residents stormed the school compound, disrupting ongoing construction and chasing away workers assigned to the site. The protestors claim the project was initiated without proper community consultation and was misleadingly labeled as an ICT hub.
“We only agreed to the project because it was presented to us as an ICT center for students,” said a concerned school board member. “We now find it’s a police post and a chief’s office. We can’t allow this.”
🚸 PARENTS RAISE SAFETY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT CONCERNS
According to the protesting parents, having a police post inside a school environment may expose children to stressful and possibly traumatic events.
“Police posts are associated with criminals and law enforcement operations. We don’t want our kids growing up around handcuffed suspects and officers with weapons,” said one parent.
Parents emphasized that the presence of law enforcement offices inside a school disrupts the learning atmosphere and may negatively impact students’ focus, security, and emotional well-being.
🏫 CALL FOR GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE
Beyond safety concerns, many parents criticized the county government’s priorities, calling for upgrades to the school’s learning infrastructure rather than the construction of external administrative facilities.
They argued that the school is in dire need of:
- Additional classrooms
- Modern science laboratories
- Repairs for leaking roofs
- Technology upgrades for e-learning
“Instead of investing in classrooms or school meals, they’re bringing us a police station. This is wrong,” another parent added.
📢 MP GEORGE KARIUKI RESPONDS TO BACKLASH
Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki defended the project, claiming that the police post was intended to protect the ICT center that had been frequently vandalized.
However, locals argue that no such security threats had been communicated earlier, and they suspect ulterior motives behind the sudden change in the project’s scope.
“If security was a concern, why not improve school fencing or hire guards? Why lie about an ICT hub just to sneak in a police station?” one local asked.
🔁 SIMILAR INCIDENTS: GATOTO PRIMARY LAND GRAB PROTEST
This protest mirrors a similar confrontation that occurred in January at Gatoto Primary School in Mukuru kwa Reuben, Nairobi, where parents stormed the school to protest alleged land grabbing by politicians.
Just like in Upper Sagana, parents expressed anger over lack of transparency, politicization of school land, and risk to student safety. Learners were sent home as tensions escalated, forcing police intervention and school closure for the day.
