Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto has pledged Ksh2 million to construct a modern science laboratory at Jimba Primary School in Rabai Sub-County, Kilifi County.
Speaking at the school Captain Ruto also promised to equip the laboratory with five desktop computers and laptops, as well as a water pump, as part of the Authority’s corporate social responsibility programme.
The KPA boss was talking during an event to celebrate the improved 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education performance in Rabai, where he also directed that a lorry loaded with food supplies be dispatched the following day to support learners affected by the ongoing drought in the area.
He emphasised that while physical infrastructure, such as buildings, provides shelter, genuine success in education depends on discipline, hard work and consistent support from parents, teachers and the community.
The KPA boss urged parents and all stakeholders to support teachers and ensure students attend school without fail, pledging continued collaboration with both county and national governments to enhance the learning environment in the sub-county.
Rabai Sub-County Director of Education Jilo Justin Mkaduda welcomed the pledge and highlighted the sub-county’s improved KCSE results, where 21.8 per cent of candidates, approximately 528 students, achieved quality grades qualifying them for university admission for the first time.
Mkaduda reported that 493 students (20.3 per cent) scored C and C- grades, making them eligible for diploma courses, while 1,129 students (46.7 per cent) attained D grades and are expected to join technical colleges.
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However, he noted persistent challenges, including a 10 per cent failure rate and cases of students who register for examinations but abscond from classes, only appearing during rehearsals or on exam day.
He appealed for joint efforts by chiefs, parents and other stakeholders to curb the practice.
The director also reported an 86 per cent transition rate to Form One, with 583 students yet to report. Local mobilisation involving chiefs is ongoing for those placed in nearby schools, while national school placements await confirmation.
Mkaduda raised alarm over the impact of drought on school attendance, recounting an incident in which a pupil collapsed during assembly due to hunger after attending school without breakfast and finding no food at home during lunch.
Rabai Member of Parliament Anthony Kenga Mupe thanked Capt. Ruto and appealed for further support in sports development.
He requested that the next KPA football tournament be hosted in Rabai to nurture local talent and asked for assistance in addressing transportation challenges faced by local teams.
The MP expressed confidence that the MD would facilitate the construction of the much-needed laboratory promised for schools in the constituency.
By Our reporter
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