Local Project Committees (LPCs) that oversaw the construction and renovation of education infrastructure under the Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme Phase II (MISHDP-II) in Magarini and Malindi sub-counties have been lauded for their exemplary performance.
The programme, funded by the Italian government at a cost of €6,395,373 (equivalent to Sh 889 million) through the National Treasury, is being implemented by the Coast Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with the National Land Commission, the Kenya Space Agency, the Kilifi County Government, and the local community.
The three-year programme began in May 2022 and will run until 2027. It was designed to enhance social and economic development in the two sub-counties. The first phase, also funded by the Italian government, was successfully implemented between 2006 and 2012.
To boost educational facilities and school enrolment in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties, Phase II included the construction of a dining hall, kitchen, dormitory, and four classrooms at Ngomeni Secondary School.
The project also featured an award scheme for the five best-performing students from Forms 1 to 4 at Ngomeni Secondary School.
Additional infrastructure projects included the renovation of six classroom blocks at Ngomeni Primary School and the construction of six classroom blocks, a laboratory, and a pit latrine at Rasi Primary School.
Speaking during a meeting at Ngomeni Secondary School to officially dissolve the committees following completion of the projects, CDA Acting Managing Director Dr Mwanasiti Bendera commended the five LPCs for their outstanding work in implementing the education component of MISHDP-II.
“This meeting was to formally close the local project committees, as we have completed the facilities that were earmarked under the MISHDP programme,” said Dr Bendera.
The community, school management, and the County Director of Education will now take over the management of the facilities to ensure sustainability.
“I would like to thank all the institutions that participated. The community, the Ministry of Education, the Italian Development Agency, the governments of Italy and Kenya, the local leadership, and the National Government Administration Officers who worked with us over the last three years.”
The MD noted that all the constructed and renovated facilities are fully furnished and well-equipped. She added that the Authority is in the process of receiving new proposals for the next phase of schools set to benefit from future projects.
“The Office of the County Director of Education will submit requests for schools in need of improved facilities in Kilifi County. We will then develop a new proposal to further support the education sector,” she stated.
Joseph Katana, Assistant Chief of Ngomeni Location, said the community had, for the first time, benefitted from a sea wall and the construction of Ngomeni Secondary School under MISHDP Phase I.
“Phase II has significantly uplifted us as residents of Ngomeni. Additional classrooms have been constructed and others renovated at Ngomeni Secondary School. We also received a social hall, a dormitory, and a laboratory,” said Katana.
He thanked CDA for the transformative projects, expressing optimism for Phase III. “We will continue to support future development projects to build our area and the country as a whole.”
By Sadik Hassan
