- Former Education CS has urged leaders and communities to invest more in education development projects.
- He said education remains the foundation of sustainable development, social order and economic empowerment.
- Matiang’i spoke during the commissioning of Dr. Zachary Onyonka Nyanguru Mixed Secondary School in Kisii County.
By Enock Okong’o
Former Cabinet Secretary for Education Fred Matiang’i has said education is the backbone of any community and underscored the need to support education development projects.
Speaking during the commissioning of Dr. Zachary Onyonka Nyanguru Mixed Secondary School in Kisii County, Matiang’i noted that sustainable development and social order begin with an educated population. He called on leaders, parents and stakeholders to prioritise investment in schools, teacher training and learning infrastructure.
Building Values and Social Responsibility
Matiang’i observed that education plays a central role in the transformation of communities by promoting moral and civic values.
Through schooling, young people learn discipline, integrity and responsibility. He said these values shape attitudes towards work, public property and respect for the rule of law, helping to reduce cases of unrest and destruction of public facilities.
He noted that education also drives economic empowerment by equipping young people with relevant skills and knowledge.
According to Matiang’i, educated youth are better positioned to access employment opportunities and create livelihoods for themselves, reducing dependency and helping break cycles of poverty that often contribute to social challenges.
Promoting Unity and Peaceful Coexistence
Matiang’i further stated that education encourages critical thinking and enhances conflict resolution.
He said informed communities are more likely to address grievances through dialogue and established channels rather than violence. Schools also strengthen social cohesion by bringing together learners from diverse backgrounds, fostering unity, tolerance and a shared sense of purpose.
The former CS added that education enables informed participation in governance by raising awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
He noted that educated citizens are better equipped to hold leaders accountable and contribute meaningfully to development decisions.
Leaders Back School Development
Matiang’i, who was accompanied by former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu and Members of Parliament Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba) and Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), among other leaders, thanked the initiators of the school project, Senator Richard Onyonka and MP Anthony Kibagendi.
He described the project as a meaningful way of giving back to society through education.
Speaking at the event, Ezekiel Machogu announced that he will contest the Kisii gubernatorial seat in 2027.
He said he would work together with Senator Richard Onyonka to unite the community and advocate for greater development opportunities for the region.
School Set for First KCSE Candidates
Area MP Anthony Kibagendi said the school was initiated by Senator Richard Onyonka during his tenure as Member of Parliament and is expected to present its first KCSE candidates this year.
Kibagendi said he continues to utilise available NG-CDF resources to improve schools in the constituency and pledged to push for the deployment of more teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
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He also thanked Dr. Matiang’i for donating 40 computers to support digital literacy and promised to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to enhance learning at the institution.
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