The County Government of Kakamega, in partnership with the African Divine Church (ADC), has announced plans to construct a modern Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facility at Bondeni Primary School in Kakamega Municipality. This initiative, aimed at improving the learning environment for young students, comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance education infrastructure in the region.
Governor Fernandes Barasa, during the ADC church service held at Bondeni Primary School, emphasized the importance of this project. He noted that the local leadership was committed to ensuring that all schools in Kakamega have access to adequate educational facilities, including those in urban areas such as Bondeni, which have been left behind in terms of infrastructure development. The new ECDE center is expected to provide state-of-the-art facilities for early learners, helping them to thrive in a modern and supportive environment.
Lurambi Member of Parliament Bishop Titus Khamala, who was also present at the event, added that the budget for the construction of the ECDE center has been included in this year’s budget. He further committed to attending the official groundbreaking ceremony, a move that will mark the beginning of the construction phase. This collaboration between the county government, the ADC, and other local leaders highlights the critical role that both the public and religious organizations play in supporting education in Kakamega.
However, during the event, local leaders raised concerns over a dangerous valley within the school compound, which has been a looming threat to student safety for the past decade. The deep valley has long posed risks, and its presence has sparked urgent calls for action. Governor Barasa called on the County Executive Committee Members (CECM) for Environment, Penina Mukabane, and her counterpart for Public Works, Patrick Kundu, to address the issue as soon as possible by filling up the valley to prevent any accidents or fatalities.
In his address, the governor also took the opportunity to remind residents of the upcoming bursary application deadline. He urged them to collect bursary forms from the ward administrators’ offices before the January 17th cutoff, ensuring that students from low-income households can access much-needed financial assistance for their education.
Bondeni Primary School has faced challenges in terms of infrastructure development, with the lack of modern facilities affecting its ability to provide quality education. The construction of the new ECDE facility is expected to address some of these challenges and provide students with a safe, conducive learning environment.
Bishop John Chabuga of the African Divine Church also spoke during the event, noting the church’s long-standing contributions to Kenya’s education sector since its establishment in 1949. The church, he highlighted, has been pivotal in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds through its countywide bursary program, demonstrating its commitment to uplifting the educational standards in the region.
With this collaborative effort between the Kakamega County Government and the ADC, Bondeni Primary School is set to see significant improvements, ultimately benefiting the students and the wider community in Kakamega.
