Lugari: Safaricom M-PESA Foundation has committed Sh30 million to upgrade infrastructure at Lumakanda Township Comprehensive School in Lugari Sub County, Kakamega County. The initiative aims to address congestion issues caused by inadequate facilities in one of Lugari’s most populated schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, the school’s head teacher, Paul Simiyu, stated that the project includes the construction of modern classrooms, laboratories, and several ablution blocks. Simiyu explained, “Under the multi-million funding, the Foundation is constructing and fully equipping with furniture, eight new classrooms. It is also constructing two laboratories; a science laboratory which will be fully equipped and a computer one which will serve our learners, those from neighbouring schools, and the local community. In addition, the Foundation is also building two ablution blocks for the junior school and one for the teachers.”
Simiyu, speaking during a visit by a team from the office of the Presidential Advisor
on Women Rights, Harriet Chigai, revealed that the construction work is nearing completion. The remaining tasks include the administration block, the gate, and the information center, which the contractor will soon address. Simiyu also disclosed that the Foundation has plans to create further infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of students due to the school’s town location and enhanced academic performance.
Besides the current scope of work, the Foundation intends to construct a modern kitchen and a dining hall to serve over 800 students who have lunch at the school. Additionally, eight more classrooms are planned. Simiyu praised Chigai, an alumna of the school, for advocating and choosing her former school to benefit from this initiative, urging other local leaders to follow her example and support the school.
Dr. Anthony Akoto, from the office of the Presidential Advisor on Women Rights, encouraged the contractor to expedite the construction process so that students can utilize the new facili
ties. “As a team, we are very impressed with the ongoing construction. The classrooms are getting ready. The other amenities that were part of the works are also coming up. We are here just to remind the construction team that we need the classrooms and the other amenities up as soon as possible so that the learners can enjoy a conducive learning environment. We also hope that the new infrastructure will immensely benefit the local community.”
Lugari Sub County Director of Education, Joan Sakwa, also expressed gratitude to Chigai for ensuring her old school receives a significant upgrade. She highlighted that once the infrastructure development is complete, the school will serve as a model for others in the sub-county. Sakwa also acknowledged Safaricom M-PESA Foundation for collaborating with the Ministry of Education to support the infrastructural development of schools nationwide.