Five educational institutions and two health facilities in Kilifi County have benefitted from major infrastructural development projects implemented by the Coast Development Authority (CDA), over the past four years.
The Mombasa-based state agency has constructed and furnished 24 new classrooms, three integrated science laboratories, boarding facilities, toilets and other amenities in the five beneficiary schools, according to the Acting Managing Director Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera.
Dr. Bendera, who led a verification tour of the projects, said CDA had also built an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a High Dependence Unit (HDU) at Malindi Sub-County Hospital, in addition to equipping the hospital’s kitchen and the Mambrui dispensary between 2022 and 2025.
The projects were undertaken under phase two of the Malindi Integrated Social and Health Development Programme (MISHDP II), funded through a concessional loan of €6.39 million from the Italian government. More than half of the loan is currently being used to construct the Mjanaheri–Ngomeni road.
Speaking to journalists at Ngomeni Senior School after the tour, Dr. Bendera noted that CDA had relocated Burangi Comprehensive School from a flood-prone site to a safer location, where it constructed eight classrooms, nine toilets, and a fully furnished science laboratory.
At Ngomeni Senior School, the authority built four classrooms, a boys’ dormitory with a capacity of 76 double-decker beds, a kitchen, and a multipurpose hall.
Midodoni Comprehensive School benefitted from a fully furnished science laboratory, Ngomeni Comprehensive School received six classrooms, while Rasi Comprehensive School was equipped with six classrooms, 15 toilets, and an integrated science laboratory.
“All these projects have been completed, handed over and are already in use. They have had a significant impact, including increased student enrolment,” Dr. Bendera told journalists.
Selita Makorani, a representative of the Kilifi County Director of Education, lauded CDA for the projects, saying they had transformed education in the beneficiary communities.
Ngomeni Senior School Principal Twaha Mwatsahu confirmed that the institution, established by CDA during phase one of the programme, had further benefitted in phase two with a dormitory, four classrooms, a kitchen, and a multipurpose hall.
Burangi Comprehensive School science teacher Joel Taura said the new laboratory had been a vital resource for his school and neighbouring institutions, greatly improving performance in science subjects.
His sentiments were echoed by the school head teacher, Japheth Ngoka Charo, who praised the relocation of the school from its former flood-prone site near the Sabaki River.
“Previously, our old site faced severe erosion from the river, and some buildings had developed cracks, posing a threat to learning,” Charo explained.
Ngomeni comprehensive school head teacher Azimio Changawa said the projects had boosted enrolment and instilled discipline among students and parents, supported by a mentorship programme initiated by CDA.
by Emmanuel Masha
