In a major boost to the education sector and infrastructure development within Kiambu Constituency, area Member of Parliament John Machua Waithaka has officially commissioned newly renovated facilities at Riara Primary and Secondary Schools, while reinforcing his signature Free Day Secondary School Education Initiative.
The dual event marked a significant milestone as the constituency celebrates its second consecutive year of providing completely free day secondary education.
During the ceremony, Hon. Waithaka presented a substantial bursary cheque to Riara Secondary School, declaring that the era of children staying home due to lack of school fees in Kiambu Constituency is officially over.
“Our Free Day Secondary School Initiative aims to ensure that no child is denied access to education because of financial challenges,” MP Waithaka said. “Through this program, we are easing the burden on parents and allowing our learners to pursue their dreams with confidence.”
The MP issued a stern directive to local administrators, parents, and guardians to ensure total enrollment. “I urge parents, guardians, and the area Chief to ensure that every child is enrolled and remains in school. There is now absolutely no excuse for any child to miss out on education. *Yangu ni kazi tu!* (My work is just service),” he added.
The impact of the free education policy was captured in an emotional testimony by Peter Kimani, a local parent originally from Kakamega, who expressed his shock at not being asked to pay a single cent since his child joined the school.
“I was surprised,” Kimani stated. “The year ended, and I didn’t spend a single cent. Usually, when a new year starts, children come home with letters demanding money for the last term. My child didn’t bring any such letter. She just started school, and I haven’t paid a dime.”
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Kimani sharply contrasted Waithaka’s transformative approach with standard political handouts.
“Other parliamentarians give you two thousand shillings when you approach them. What does two thousand help you with? But the Honourable member is doing real things. Which child can study from Form One to Form Four without a cent? They are safely in school. How foolish would a person be to deny this Honorable member a vote?” an ecstatic Kimani told the congregation.
Beyond financial relief, the MP commissioned an extensive, modern upgrade of the learning facilities at both Riara Primary and Riara Secondary schools.
The comprehensive renovations aimed at creating a dignified learning environment included full tiling of all classroom floors. Installation of modern blackboards, new windows, and doors. Complete roofing overhauls and extensive compound landscaping and construction of a brand-new, modern ablution block at Riara Primary School.
The lawmaker’s development itinerary also featured an inspection of the ongoing construction at Tinganga Model Primary School, where workers are putting final touches on new classrooms fitted with tiles, modern blackboards, and improved roofing. The school is also set to receive cabro paving, a modern gate, and a secure perimeter wall.
To cap off the development tour, Hon. Waithaka joined students and parents from Riara Primary, Riara Secondary, Loreto Girls, and Loreto Primary School to officially commission the newly tarmacked Turitu – Riara Catholic – Ndumberi Road.
The critical infrastructure project connects all four educational institutions, extending to Kiratina. Crucially, the project included the expansion and reconstruction of a historic bridge that had long been a dangerous bottleneck for motorists and pedestrians due to its narrow design.
By Felix Wanderi
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