Kipkombot Primary School, nestled in the vast lands of Mosop Constituency in Nandi County, has long been a testament to resilience and community effort. Established in 1973, the school started under the shade of a fig tree before modest buildings were erected in 1977. Despite significant challenges, the school remains committed to nurturing young minds and providing quality education to children in the region.
Recently, the school hosted a remarkable event that drew church leaders, government officials, alumni, and community members who united to support its development. Leading the visit was Bishop Rev. David Moses Serem of the Nandi Area, accompanied by notable figures, including Dr. Henry Kibet Rotich, a proud alumnus of the school; MCA Walter Teno of Kabiyet Ward; Chief Welbon Kemboi of Lolkeringet Location; and Assistant Chiefs Serem Willy and Patrick Kitur.
The visitors brought vital donations to boost the school’s feeding program, including maize, beans, cooking oil, a cow, and a sheep. These contributions will sustain the program, ensuring students have access to at least one nutritious meal daily. For many children, the meals provided at the school are their only reliable source of nourishment.
Speaking during the event, Bishop Serem commended the dedication of the school’s staff, parents, and alumni in ensuring its continued operations. He highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming challenges, noting that the school’s location and lack of infrastructure remain significant hurdles. The Bishop urged attendees to contribute further, mobilizing support for a water tank to address the water scarcity faced by the school and surrounding community.
Kipkombot Primary School operates under a clear vision: “To be a leader in Basic Education.” Its mission, “To provide young minds with skills in academics and extra-curricular activities to be globally competitive,” reflects its commitment to preparing students for the future. The school’s motto, “Inspiring Young Minds to Excel,” encapsulates its dedication to excellence in all aspects of education.
Over the years, Kipkombot has faced challenges such as declining enrollment, with student numbers dropping from 250 to just 100. Deputy Headteacher Anne Sitienei and teacher Julius Keter attributed this decline to poverty, poor road infrastructure, and limited resources. Despite these setbacks, the school continues to strive for success, bolstered by support from alumni like Dr. Rotich.
Dr. Rotich has spearheaded efforts to rejuvenate the school, including a transformative tree-planting initiative. Through this project, 1,600 indigenous trees were planted on the school grounds, serving as natural fencing and contributing to environmental conservation. The trees also protect a vital water catchment area for the River Nzoia, which sustains livelihoods across seven counties and flows into Lake Victoria.
While celebrating the progress made, the visitors emphasized the need for additional infrastructure, including classrooms and teachers’ quarters, to accommodate the Junior Secondary School (JSS) recently established at Kipkombot. They also called for partnerships between the local government, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to address these challenges and enhance the school’s capacity to serve the community.
The event marked a significant step toward securing Kipkombot Primary School’s future as a center of learning and development. The collaborative spirit displayed by the community and its leaders offers hope that the school will overcome its challenges and fulfill its vision of inspiring young minds to excel.
As Bishop Serem noted, “We are building more than a school here. We are building a future for our children and for this community.”