Makueni: First Lady Rachel Ruto has officially launched a series of development projects at Unoa Comprehensive School in Makueni Sub-county. These initiatives, which she spearheaded last year, are aimed at enhancing the welfare of the children attending the institution.
According to Kenya News Agency, the projects inaugurated include a borehole, nine refurbished classrooms, a solar water system, and an improved playground. These developments are designed to create a conducive learning environment for the students. The projects were completed in collaboration with the Dawoodi Bohra Community, the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority, Makueni County Government, and other government agencies.
The installation of the borehole now provides the school with clean and reliable water, putting an end to the long-standing issue of water scarcity. The availability of water has also enabled the establishment of a kitchen garden at the school, which has improved the nutritional status of the learners and contributed to national food security efforts.
During the official handover ceremony at Unoa Sports Ground, Mrs. Ruto expressed her admiration for the school’s proactive approach. “What has touched me most is what Unoa Comprehensive School has done with this change. Unoa did not wait; you took action. The kitchen garden you have created with fruit trees and nutritious crops is a powerful statement,” she remarked.
Mrs. Ruto also acknowledged the efforts of the learners and teachers who have embraced the kitchen garden initiative, mentioning students like Samuel Wambua and Mitchell Mwende who have started similar gardens at home. Teacher Justine Kisilu was highlighted for setting an example beyond the classroom.
The greening of Unoa Playground began last June during the Day of the African Child, an event which Mrs. Ruto attended, promising to ensure the field’s transformation from a dusty ground that affected children’s health. She encouraged parents to maintain the progress made and support their children’s educational endeavors.
In addition to these projects, Mrs. Ruto donated 1,700 pairs of shoes and 25 computers to the school, facilitating the students’ acquisition of digital skills. She commended the Dawoodi Bohra Community for their significant contributions, including the renovation of nine classrooms and plans to construct a modern cooking kitchen and administration block.
Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo praised the First Lady’s initiative, highlighting the transformative impact on the children’s lives and learning environment. She urged parents to contribute to improving learning facilities and encouraged students to take advantage of their better learning environment.
The event also saw the donation of food supplies to the school by the Cabinet Secretary, including 50 bags of 90 kg, 50 bags of rice, 30 bags of beans, 20 bags of cowpeas, 60 bales of wimbi flour, and 15 jerricans of cooking oil.
Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and other dignitaries, including Children Services PS Carren Ageng’o, Water PS Julius Korir, and representatives from the Dawoodi Bohra Community and local government, attended the function.
