Marie Primary and Junior School in Damba village, Taita Taveta County, is at risk of permanent closure following a steep decline in student numbers. Established in 1976, the school now operates with just a handful of pupils scattered across aging and unfinished classrooms.
Deputy Headteacher Ibrahim Mwamunga described 2025 as the most challenging year, with only two primary learners enrolled—one each in Grade One and Grade Two—and six children in pre-primary classes. Current enrolment remains critically low, with just one Grade Six pupil and a total student population well below the Ministry of Education’s minimum threshold of ten learners required to keep a school open.
"The main challenges we face include the school's remote location, poor infrastructure, and migration as families move to lower-altitude areas seeking better farming opportunities," Mwamunga explained. The school is staffed by only four teachers, including the headteacher and deputy.
Local assistant chief Grace Wakesho revealed that community leaders and parents have initiated a food distribution program aimed at attracting children back to the school. The initiative hopes to provide meals during school hours to address food insecurity and encourage attendance.
"Providing food at school will help children who may not have enough at home and motivate parents to re-enroll their kids," Wakesho said. Despite these efforts, the future of Marie Primary remains uncertain as it struggles to reverse years of declining enrolment and limited resources.
