By KENNEDY OKWATCH
Kakamega, Kenya: The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) Thursday launched a Sh500,000 programme to rehabilitate infrastructure in public schools in Kakamega County.
The programme, targeting primary schools, was rolled out in Matungu Special School and it will oversee rehabilitation of schools in Matungu, Mumias East and Mumias West constituencies.
The schools that will benefit from the programme were identified through consultation with local elders and the area community.
Mary Gondi, the board’s public relations officer, said this was part of the initiatives the institution had embarked on to give back to the communities from sugar cane growing areas.
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She said all projects funded by KSB are geared towards positive social impact and said the money given to schools will create a viable environment for learning for the children.
“Education is the pillar of an economically developing nation. The board is determined to enhance life in our society,” she said.
Ms Gondi said KSB has plans to incorporate other counties in the region.
“In the next phase we will move to Bungoma, Busia and upper Kakamega counties,” she said.
The schools to benefit include Makunda Primary School, Matungu Special School and Bulimbo Muslim Primary School, all in Matungu constituency.
Others are Ichinga, Kamashia, Ebubole and Eshikufu primary schools in Mumias East constituency.
In Mumias East, Emuberi, Ekambara and Buyundo primary schools are set to benefit from the programme.
Gondi was speaking at Matungu Special School where she handed over a cheque worth Sh50,000 for a bore hole.
Mohamed Mukhwana, a director at KSB, said the only investment that can benefit a society is empowering the young generation.
He said the only way of improving deteriorating education standards in the region was through providing adequate facilities and materials to provide a conducive environment for learning.
“The only way we can help our society is through encouraging our children to come to school and acquire education. But we cannot encourage them go to school if they study in dilapidated classrooms and lack books and other social amenities,” he said.
