More than 1,000 learners at Amagoro Comprehensive School in Teso North Sub-County, Busia County, have been left without digital learning after thieves broke into the school’s ICT hub and stole 27 laptop computers valued at about KSh400,000.
The burglary occurred on the night of Thursday into Friday last week.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Principal Ronald Orodi said the thieves executed a well-planned raid by first breaking the lock on a small gate linking the school to neighbouring St. Thomas Amagoro Girls’ Secondary School before forcing their way into the school kitchen in what is believed to have been a diversionary tactic.
“Nothing was stolen from the kitchen. As the watchman concentrated on that area, the thieves broke into the computer room and made away with the laptops,” said Orodi.
The principal said the suspects used five cartons that had contained newly purchased computers and two desk covers to carry away the stolen devices. The theft was discovered the following morning when the teacher in charge of the ICT laboratory found the room broken into and the computers missing.
Orodi said the stolen laptops had been donated in January 2024 by the school’s alumnus, Sheran Oradu with the support of her friends in the US, to enhance digital literacy among learners. The school had also acquired additional computers to meet the needs of its growing enrolment.
He described the incident as a major setback to the implementation of digital learning, saying learners are now unable to access ICT lessons.
The matter was reported to the police, and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigations.
Teso North Sub-County Police Commander Charles Chepkong’a confirmed that investigators are pursuing the suspects.
“No stone will be left unturned until those behind the theft are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
To improve security and reassure donors, Orodi said the school’s Board of Management has resolved to engage a private security firm, which he said are insured in the event of such thefts.
The principal also acknowledged continued support from well-wishers, including Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President and Busia gubernatorial aspirant Arthur Osiya, who donated solar panels to improve lighting and security at the school.
