President Ruto pledges additional funding for Chebara schools displaced by dam project

President William Ruto has pledged an additional Sh200 million for learning institutions in Chebara, Marakwet West Sub-County, whose relocation was necessitated by the displacement of residents to pave the way for the construction of Chebara Dam.

Speaking while inspecting construction works at the affected institutions, the President said the extra funding would improve infrastructure in the schools to ensure learning resumes in a conducive environment.

The institutions affected by the dam project include Chebara Boys High School, Chebara Girls High School, Chebara Primary School, Kaptomut Primary School, Chebara TVET and a school chapel.

Ruto said the ongoing construction and renovation works, valued at Sh700 million, are now 65 per cent complete. The works had stalled for over a decade before the second phase began a year ago.

The projects inspected include more than 30 classrooms, three science laboratories, computer labs, administration blocks, multi-purpose halls and dormitories across the institutions. The President said the new funding would go toward building an extra 16 classrooms at Chebara Boys High School, 12 at Chebara Girls High School, and 10 each at Chebara Primary and Kaptomut Primary schools.

He said the Government was committed to ensuring that communities displaced by national development projects benefit from improved social amenities rather than being disadvantaged.

"The people of Chebara sacrificed their land for this important water project. It is our duty to ensure their children learn in better facilities than they had before," Ruto said.

The President further committed to elevating Chebara Polytechnic into a National Technical Training Institute (TTI) to expand access to technical and vocational training for youth in the region. He directed the Ministry of Education and the contractor on site to fast-track completion of the institutions, warning that the Government would not tolerate further delays.

Local leaders and residents who accompanied the President during the inspection welcomed the move, saying the additional funding would transform education standards in the area.

Marakwet West MP Timothy Toroitich termed the upgrading of the learning institutions a game-changer for education and skills acquisition among the youth.

"I sincerely thank the President for agreeing to upgrade Chebara Polytechnic into a Technical Training Institute. This is a game-changer for skills and youth empowerment in Marakwet West," Toroitich said.