Murang’a County is set to receive a significant upgrade with the construction of 82 new classrooms across 47 primary schools. This initiative, aimed at accommodating Grade 9 learners by January next year, falls under the Kenya Primary Education Equity Learning (KPEEL) programme. The KPEEL programme, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Kenyan government, has allocated Ksh82 million for this phase of the project.
Selection and Preparation
The selection of the schools benefiting from this initiative was based on a thorough assessment of their needs. Ann Kiilu, the Murang’a County Director of Education, emphasized that many local primary schools are already equipped with the necessary infrastructure to host Grade 9 students. However, the additional classrooms will ensure that the transition is smooth and that the schools can adequately handle the increased number of students.
The project was officially announced during a meeting at Murang’a Technology Primary School, where Kiilu addressed school heads, board of management chairs, and members of the school infrastructure committees (SIC). The meeting also included officers from procurement and public works, ensuring that all stakeholders were well-informed about the upcoming developments.
Construction Timeline and Process
The construction of the new classrooms is expected to take three months, with the procurement process to source contractors beginning immediately following the sensitization forum. The education director stressed the importance of adhering to rigorous procurement procedures to ensure that only qualified contractors are selected. This emphasis on quality aims to guarantee that the new classrooms will meet the required standards and be ready for use by the upcoming academic year.
Kiilu also highlighted that the funds for the project have already been distributed to the schools’ accounts, urging the SIC members to expedite the procurement process. The timely completion of this phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for subsequent phases, which will include the construction of laboratories and learning resource centers.
Impact on Schools and Students
This initiative is set to benefit a significant number of students in Murang’a County. A total of 22,662 students from public primary schools, along with an additional 2,128 students from private institutions, are poised to enter Grade 9 next year. The new classrooms will alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and provide a conducive learning environment for these students.
Among the schools, Mutunduini Primary School in Kandara Sub-County will receive the most substantial upgrade with six new classrooms. Peter Kariuki School in Maragua Sub-County is also set to benefit significantly, with the construction of five new classrooms. These upgrades are expected to make a noticeable difference in the capacity and quality of education provided by these institutions.
Future Phases and Expectations
The construction of classrooms is just the first phase of the broader KPEEL programme. Following this, phase two will focus on building laboratories and learning resource centers, further enhancing the educational infrastructure in the county. These facilities are essential for providing a well-rounded education and equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future endeavors.
Kiilu concluded by expressing confidence in the successful implementation of the project, provided that all stakeholders adhere to the outlined procedures and maintain a commitment to quality. The new classrooms are a significant step towards improving education in Murang’a County and ensuring that students have access to the facilities they need to excel in their studies.
Conclusion
The construction of new classrooms in Murang’a County is a vital initiative that addresses the immediate need for additional educational infrastructure to accommodate Grade 9 learners. Funded by the World Bank and the Kenyan government, this project reflects a commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring that all students have access to conducive learning environments. As the county prepares for this significant upgrade, the focus remains on delivering quality work and adhering to rigorous procurement processes to achieve the best outcomes for the students and the community.
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