- Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has defended NG-CDF’s contribution to improving education infrastructure across the country.
- He says classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and other facilities financed through the Fund have transformed learning environments.
- Ichung’wah made the remarks during the commissioning of eight classrooms at Entanda Comprehensive School in Kitutu Chache North.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has praised the Government’s efforts to improve school infrastructure across the country through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and urged citizens to appreciate the progress instead of engaging in unconstructive criticism.
Speaking in Kitutu Chache North Constituency on Tuesday during the commissioning of eight classrooms in a one-storey block at Entanda Comprehensive School, Ichung’wah said NG-CDF remains a major equaliser in the education sector and its impact is visible across constituencies.
He noted that while some voices have been calling for the abolition of the Fund, they are ignoring the transformation it has brought to schools that were previously in deplorable conditions. The Fund, he said, has become a major source of education infrastructure, with allocations going towards the construction of classrooms, science laboratories, administration blocks and dormitories.
Ichung’wah highlights infrastructure gains
Ichung’wah said one of the most visible impacts has been the decongestion of schools. In many parts of the country where large numbers of learners previously shared a single classroom, he said, the construction of new and storeyed classrooms, such as those at Entanda, has eased pressure and created a better learning environment.
In rural constituencies, he added, the Fund has helped replace mud-walled and semi-permanent structures with permanent buildings.
He said the construction of equipped laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology has enabled practical learning in sub-county schools that previously lacked such facilities. According to Ichung’wah, this has contributed to improved learning in science subjects and encouraged uptake of STEM programmes.
Similarly, he said, the building of dormitories, especially for girls, alongside modern toilets and administration blocks, has improved safety, discipline and retention of learners.
The bursary component, whose statutory ceiling was increased from 35 to 40 per cent, has also supported vulnerable learners to remain in school.
Ichung’wah was accompanied by President William Ruto’s Personal Assistant Farouk Kibet, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, Nyaribari Masaba MP Dr Daniel Manduku, West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka, Kisii Woman Representative Doris Aburi and Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi, as well as Nominated Senator Eddy Oketch. They were hosted by Kitutu Chache North MP Japhet Mokaya.
In his remarks, Mokaya thanked the NG-CDF Committee for the prudent use of the funds to accomplish the project.
He asked parents to take advantage of the improved infrastructure and send their children to school to benefit from the progress, instead of allowing them to drop out and join the boda boda business.
The meeting also witnessed a gesture by Nominated Senator Eddy Oketch, who interrupted the programme to provide two learners from vulnerable families with full school uniforms, including shoes.
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The Senator promised to continue supporting the two with other personal effects needed for their comfortable stay and learning in school, a gesture that drew applause from parents and leaders present.
By Enock Okong’o
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