Education in West Pokot received a significant facelift after Governor Simon Kachapin and M-PESA Africa CEO Sitoyo Lopokoiyit officially commissioned newly completed infrastructure at Siyoi Comprehensive School, funded by the M-PESA Foundation.
The newly unveiled facilities are aimed at improving the learning environment for pupils in the area, addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps that have affected rural schools across the county.
The commissioning ceremony drew county leaders, education officials, community members, and representatives from Safaricom, marking what leaders described as a strong example of public-private partnership in action.
Governor Kachapin presided over the event, joined by Richard Domonyang, Senior Manager and HR Business Partner at Safaricom Plc.
Speaking during the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, Mr Lopokoiyit reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to investing in education as a driver of social transformation.
“Education is the equaliser,” he said. “When we create safe, dignified, and conducive learning spaces, we are not just building classrooms; we are building futures. The M-PESA Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower communities and give children an opportunity to thrive.”
Governor Kachapin welcomed the partnership, describing it as a key contribution to the county’s development agenda.
“We appreciate partners like the M-PESA Foundation who continue to walk this journey with us,” the governor said. “Collaboration between government and the private sector is essential if we are to accelerate progress in education and improve outcomes for learners, especially in marginalised areas.”
He noted that improved infrastructure directly impacts performance, retention, and the overall well-being of learners, urging more organisations to invest in community-focused projects.
The M-PESA Foundation continues to support initiatives in education, health, and other critical sectors across the country, including school renovations, digital learning programmes, and medical outreach services aimed at strengthening communities.
Yobesh Magara, the West Pokot County Director of Education, who attended the event, urged parents to ensure their children attend school and acquire skills necessary to earn a living, emphasising that education remains the foundation of development.
He urged more partners and stakeholders to emulate Safaricom’s initiative in supporting education within communities and to actively embrace their corporate social responsibility roles in society.
Education is the great equaliser in society. It gives every child, regardless of background, a fair chance to succeed by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their future.
Through education, social and economic gaps can be narrowed, opportunities expanded, and communities empowered to break cycles of poverty and build sustainable development.
Siyoi Comprehensive School head of institution, Josephine Sakura noted that with the new infrastructure now at the expense of the learners, academic performance has greatly improved due to high self-esteem.
The new Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum places strong emphasis on research, innovation, and digital literacy. These requirements will be well supported by the newly constructed ICT laboratory, which is fully equipped with 30 computers to enhance learners’ practical skills and access to technology.
In addition, the school has been equipped with two laptops, a projector, and a digital photocopier to further enrich the teaching and learning experience.
The classrooms have also been fitted with 791 new lockers and chairs to accommodate the growing number of learners enrolling from both nearby and distant areas.
“I want to thank the government through the Ministry of Health for rolling out the school feeding programme. This encourages and keeps the kids in school especially for the remedial classes. I want to ask that the programme keep going for the benefit of the children,” she added.
For Siyoi Comprehensive School, the new facilities represent more than bricks and mortar but signal renewed hope and opportunity for learners and teachers alike.
By Parklea Ivor and Anthony Melly
