Residents of Chebara in Moiben-Kuserwo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, are celebrating the revival of long-stalled education projects in the county.
This follows the resumption of construction works on facilities that had remained incomplete for more than a decade.
The projects, which include Chebara Boys High School, Chebara Girls School, Chebara Primary School, Kaptomut Primary School and Chebara Polytechnic, are expected to transform learning conditions and restore dignity to institutions that have suffered years of neglect.
For nearly two decades, several school buildings in the area have deteriorated, with some structures reportedly approaching collapse and posing safety risks to learners, teachers and the wider community.
Leaders welcome revival of stalled projects
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei welcomed the renewed investment, describing it as a major turning point for residents who had waited years for the completion of the projects.
Speaking in the area, Ngelechei said the projects had remained stalled for years before the President intervened.
Ngelechei expressed optimism that the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion would improve access to quality education and provide learners with a safer and more conducive environment.
“We are optimistic that the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion will improve access to quality education and provide learners with a safer and more conducive environment. We are so grateful,” Ngelechei added.
The institutions were relocated to pave the way for the construction of Chebara Dam, but the relocation left the community struggling with incomplete facilities and deteriorating infrastructure for years.
During his development tour, President William Ruto inspected the ongoing works and pledged an additional KSh200 million, bringing the reported total investment in the Chebara education projects to KSh700 million.
The comprehensive upgrade covers classrooms, science laboratories, computer facilities, administrative blocks and student dormitories.
Additional classrooms and accommodation facilities are also planned to cater to the growing number of learners.
At Chebara Girls School, the works include improvements to the multipurpose hall, laboratories and sanitation facilities, while Chebara Polytechnic is undergoing an expansion involving the renovation of workshops and administrative buildings.
The polytechnic will also benefit from a new multipurpose hall and hostels expected to accommodate up to 340 trainees, expanding opportunities for technical and vocational education in the region.
Ruto also announced the upgrade of the polytechnic to a Technical Training Institute (TTI).
Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek also welcomed the investment, thanking the President for supporting development initiatives in the county.
“As the people of Elgeyo Marakwet, we will forever be grateful for the good work you have done. Asante sana, Rais,” Cheserek said.
She expressed hope that the President would return to the county for further development engagements, having accompanied him during his tour of neighbouring Baringo County.
The President also flagged off the Kapyego Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project, which is expected to expand electricity access to households, businesses and public institutions.
Governor Wisley Rotich and Marakwet West MP Timothy Toroitich have also welcomed the renewed investment, describing it as an opportunity to improve education standards and stimulate economic activity.
For residents who have endured years of deteriorating school infrastructure, the resumption of construction offers renewed hope that learners will soon benefit from safer classrooms, better-equipped laboratories and improved accommodation.
Upon completion, the projects are expected to strengthen education and skills development while contributing to the social and economic transformation of Elgeyo Marakwet County.
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