Dr. Stephen Orot, an esteemed academic and chairman of the Human Resource Audit and Performance Management Committee (HRAPM), officially opened a state-of-the-art science science laboratory at Got Nyabondo School Primary & Junior Secondary in Kajulu Ward, Kisumu East Sub-County, on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The facility, transformed and equipped at a cost of Ksh 400,000, was funded through contributions from the school’s board, alumni, community members, and other like-minded individuals. Dr. Orot clarified that no external donors were involved in the project, underscoring the community’s role in making it a reality.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Orot highlighted the importance of equipping schools with science resources, especially under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which mandates that every comprehensive school have at least one science laboratory. He commended the milestone as part of a broader initiative to ensure all schools in Kisumu East Sub-County meet this critical requirement.
“We are here today to officially launch this science laboratory to improve the way children learn science. This is part of a larger effort, and we plan to extend similar facilities to all comprehensive schools in Kisumu East Sub-County,” Dr. Orot said.
Dr. Orot further explained that instead of building new structures, the project involves converting unused classrooms into fully-equipped science laboratories. He warned that without such facilities, public school students would face significant challenges in competing with their private school counterparts, especially in science-related exams.
“We transform unused classrooms into labs by equipping them with the necessary tools. If students are expected to answer questions about concepts they have neither seen nor touched, their performance in science will be poor,” he emphasized.
He also warned of long-term consequences for communities that lack science education facilities, stating that such areas risk producing fewer scientists, thereby limiting their ability to innovate and develop.
“Without science laboratories, we risk having entire communities without scientists, which would harm our future. While other disciplines like arts and technical courses are essential, science education must also be prioritized,” Dr. Orot added.
The project received significant backing from key leaders, including Kisumu East MP Shakeel Ahmed Shabbir, who donated a water tank and gas cylinder to support the laboratory. Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda also pledged to provide additional support, including a water tank to address the school’s water challenges.
Maurice Oyaro, Head of Institution at Got Nyabondo School, lauded the efforts of Dr. Orot, the board, alumni, and the technical team for their dedication to improving science education.
The launch event attracted a host of stakeholders, including school board chair Joseph Abila, renowned science teacher John Kosome, Kisumu KNUT Executive Secretary David Obuon, local administrators, and representatives from the church.
Dr. Orot’s commitment to transforming education in Kisumu East is evident in the ongoing efforts to establish science labs across the sub-county, including similar projects at AIC Rae Kajulu and Rae Kanyaika Comprehensive School in Kolwa Central.
