By Norah Musega
The Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) finally heaved a sigh of relief after the government extended the deadline for the application of tenders on the supply of desks for public primary and secondary schools from September 20th to 25th.
While inspecting the accountability of the applicants today, Rongo DCC Mr. Andrew Mwiti urged qualified personnel to apply for the tenders as soon as possible.
Mr. Mwiti, however, called on the business operators to utilize the chance accorded by the government.
“The extension aim at giving room to the SME owners to make application for the tender,” said Mwiti.
The sub-county is set to receive 1,050 desks at a cost of Sh2, 500 each for 15 primary and 950 desks at Sh3800 each for 19 secondary schools.
“We have received applications from 161 from SME owners but we wish to encourage more applicants to come on board over the same for equitable distribution of the business,” said Mwiti.
He, however, noted that some of the applicants do not qualify for the tender since they do not have actual workshops where they operate.
While addressing the press in his office, Director of Education in Rongo sub-county Mr. Duncan Odhiambo noted that the program is an initiative set to enhance social distancing amongst learners as the government contemplates reopening.
Odhiambo, however, noted that the plan to reopen the learning institutions will be in phases hence there should be no much panic from both teachers and parents as the candidates in both primary and secondary will resume face-to-face learning in the first phase.
However, KNUT Chair Migori branch Mr. Caleb Opondi has applauded the Ministry of Education on its effort to reopen learning institutions in phases saying the move will create time for amelioration of infrastructure in schools.
Mr. Opondi also asked the Ministry to speed up the process of facilitating the institutions with finance to aid in the preparation ahead of the eventual reopening.
“Most schools in this region have poor infrastructure therefore, need financial boost from the government,” said Opondi.
