Residents of Gikui in Igoji East, South Imenti constituency in Meru county have donated 33 acres of ancestral land towards the construction of a TVET institution.
The residents unanimously agreed that construction of the institution will be a big turning point for the area because it will boost the socio-economic status of the locality, with admissions set to commence in September.
During a public participation exercise, the locals said that the institution will provide ready market for their farm produce and create employment opportunities for them.
They noted that since the students will be renting houses from the, the rental value of their houses will increase drastically with more houses being occupied while more will mushroom leading to more income and improved livelihoods.
Leaders present at the exercise led by Meru County Economic Advisor Gideon Kimathi assured the residents of full backing from Governor Kawira Mwangaza and cautioned locals against politicizing the initiative.
The land initially hosted Igoji Boys High School before the former county regime repurposed it to admit Meru Youth Service trainees.
Igoji East MCA Damiano Muchui and former MCA John Paul Kireria expressed their full support for the project terming it as a game changer.
Muchui said he had facilitated the enrolment of over 200 students to technical schools in other areas noting that the availability of an institution around would help sponsor more students.
According to Kieni kia Ndege Market Chairman James Nkonge, residents agreed to relocate the school hosted on the land in order to pave way for the institution.
By John Majau
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