Sydney: Member of Parliament Eng. Mark Nyamita has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at solarizing schools across the Uriri Constituency. The announcement comes in the wake of a fire incident that destroyed a dormitory at Bware Mixed Secondary School.
According to Kenya News Agency, the solarisation programme targets reducing energy costs and minimizing fire risks in schools, particularly those associated with electrical faults. The fire that razed the dormitory, which housed about 100 students, was suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault, leaving students with significant losses.
Eng. Nyamita revealed that Bware Mixed Secondary School is among the first set of 10 schools selected to benefit from this green energy programme. “We have rolled-out school solarization program and this school is among the first 10 beneficiaries of the program,” he stated. The initiative is expected to expand, with another 10 schools slated for inclusion in the next financial year.
The Member of Parliament confirmed that solar panels had already been delivered to Bware Mixed School, ensuring that the institution will primarily rely on solar power, with electricity from Kenya Power serving as a backup. He emphasized that this initiative would aid schools in reducing their electricity expenses while improving safety.
In response to the dormitory fire, Nyamita directed the school administration to conduct regular electrical integrity checks to uphold safety standards and prevent future incidents. He also extended support to the affected students by donating mattresses, blankets, and iron sheets for re-roofing the damaged dormitory. Additionally, he announced a contribution of Sh500,000 to assist students in replacing personal items lost in the fire.
Addressing broader educational concerns, Nyamita pledged to consult with education stakeholders to address the school’s declining academic performance and teacher shortages. He criticized the Migori County Government for its alleged inadequate disaster response, citing a lack of prompt action despite budgetary allocations for emergencies.
“The current county administration has failed Migori residents. Incidences like this should not happen when there are funds allocated to counter such. I am shocked that at this time there is still no response from the county,” he remarked. Nyamita, who aspires to become the Migori governor in 2027, promised to prioritize emergency response and disaster preparedness.
Accompanying Nyamita were Peter Mijungu, the Member of County Assembly of West Kanyamkago, and CPA Evance Ogutu, a candidate for the Uriri Constituency seat in 2027. Mr. Mijungu criticized the County Government’s disaster response mechanisms and called for enhanced oversight on emergency fund utilization. Meanwhile, CPA Ogutu praised the solarisation programme, highlighting its potential to reduce electrical risks and cut operational costs in schools.