A viral video from Gedalo Primary School in Mandera South has sparked national outrage after showing young pupils attending classes under open shades without roofs, exposing the dire state of education infrastructure in the region.
The footage, widely shared on social media, shows children seated on wooden benches in the scorching sun, struggling to follow lessons in makeshift outdoor classrooms. The images have reignited debate over the management of education funds in northern Kenya, particularly in Mandera County.
The video drew sharp criticism of local leaders, including former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow, who recently dismissed claims that schools in the region still operate under trees. Prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale were among those who condemned the situation, calling for accountability and immediate action.
“Those responsible for education in Mandera should resign in shame,” Ahmednasir wrote on social media, questioning how billions in devolved funds and NG-CDF allocations have failed to improve basic learning conditions. Senator Khalwale echoed the sentiment, demanding a full audit of education spending in the county.
The uproar has intensified scrutiny of local MPs and county officials, with many Kenyans demanding transparency on how funds earmarked for school infrastructure have been utilized. They argue that the situation reflects years of neglect and mismanagement in one of Kenya’s poorest regions.
Mandera South, like much of northern Kenya, continues to grapple with severe drought and widespread malnutrition, affecting more than 60,000 children. Education advocates warn that the lack of proper facilities, coupled with hunger and water scarcity, threatens to derail learning outcomes and deepen inequality.
The incident has reignited calls for stronger oversight of devolved funds and a renewed commitment to equitable education across Kenya’s marginalized regions.
