Jua Kali Artisans across the country are set to benefit from a government desk manufacture project which will cost taxpayers Sh1.96 billion.
The lucrative project to be rolled out from this Monday will according to Education CS Professor George Magoha be controlled from all the Sub-Counties.
“The respective Sub-County Education Director in conjunction with the area Deputy County Commissioners will coordinate the project and award tenders to the suitably qualified local artisans,” Magoha said.
The CS said prototype desks would be displayed at all the Sub-County headquarters for the artisans to see to enable them manufacture the same ones for onward distribution to schools next year.
“After realizing there was an acute shortage of desks in the public schools, the government has found it necessary to assist the parents with two types of the desks depending on individual school requirements,” he said.
Magoha who briefed the media after touring the Sagana Technical Institute in Kirinyaga County yesterday said a single desk would cost Sh2, 800 while the one fitted with a seat would go for Sh3, 800.
The official said this move was meant to get all the public schools well prepared for the opening early next year after their closure in March this year due to Covid -19 pandemic.
He said after education officials from his ministry made extensive inspection of most public schools, it was established that there was an acute shortage of desks which was making learning difficult.
At the same time, Magoha said the Pioneer University College at Sagana does not measure up to the required standards to offer any degree programme.
He said other than workshops, other necessary facilities do not exist and the proprietor has to up the game if he/she wishes to operate as a University College,” he said.
By Irungu Mwangi
