The fast increase in the number of learners has outpaced the development of school facilities, leaving many institutions struggling to provide a comfortable and effective learning environment.
As a result, thousands of pupils are forced to study in overcrowded classrooms with limited access to essential resources.
Ruiru has grown rapidly in recent years due to urban expansion, affordable housing projects, and improved transport networks connecting the area to Nairobi and other towns.
Many families have settled in the area, increasing the demand for public education.
While new classrooms and school buildings have been constructed, they have not been enough to match the rising learner population.
In many public primary and secondary schools, classrooms are congested far beyond their recommended capacity.
It is common to find more than 60 learners squeezed into a single room designed for far fewer students.
In some cases, pupils are forced to share desks, while others sit on the floor or stand during lessons.
This overcrowding makes it difficult for teachers to manage classes and give learners the attention they need.
The lack of laboratories and other learning facilities has further affected the quality of education.
Science subjects, which require practical lessons, suffer the most.
Some schools have only one laboratory shared by the entire student population, forcing learners to take turns or skip practical sessions altogether.
Libraries, computer rooms, and play areas are also limited, denying pupils a well-rounded learning experience.
Teachers in Ruiru say the congestion affects both teaching and learning. Marking assignments, tracking student progress, and maintaining discipline become harder in large classes.
Learners, on the other hand, struggle to concentrate in crowded and noisy environments.
The pressure on sanitation facilities such as toilets and water points has also raised health and hygiene concerns.
Parents and education stakeholders have expressed concern that continued congestion could negatively affect academic performance.
They argue that while infrastructure investment is commendable, planning must consider population growth to avoid overwhelming schools.
Some parents have been forced to seek space in distant schools or consider costly private institutions.