Nandi County Director of Education Harrison Muriuki has commissioned a multipurpose hall and a classroom for the junior school at Nandi Hills Primary Comprehensive School in Nandi East Sub County, Nandi County.
The Sh14 million multipurpose hall was constructed by Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) tea company in collaboration with the Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA), whereas the junior school classroom was constructed by the Ministry of Education, both geared towards enhancing the education of learners as they offer a conducive environment.
Speaking after the commissioning exercise, Director Muriuki lauded EPK and KTGA for their unwavering efforts of giving back to the community, adding that the government appreciates their support for the education sector.
Muriuki observed that the learners had a reason to smile after receiving a dining hall courtesy of the two partners, observing that they had been having a hard time dealing with the monkeys while having their meals outside, as the school is surrounded by forests.
“I want to assure you that the government appreciates your public-private partnership in the education sector. This multipurpose hall will not only serve this school, but also the entire county can utilize it during music festivals. Monkeys have been disturbing learners during their meals, but now it has become history,” pointed Muriuki, urging learners to fear God and be disciplined as well as work hard and smart to succeed in the future.
He further called on parents to support the Competence-Based Curriculum learners while assuring them that the government is committed to ensuring measures are in place for a smooth transition to senior school.
EPK Director Leah Kibii commended the school management for their steadfast effort that has enabled the institution to go through milestones to become a public model primary school in the region, calling on learners to utilize the facilities to make the best out of them.
“Am happy how this school has grown to be a model public school. Ensure as learners you make the best out of the facilities provided,” said Kibii.
Present at the same event was EPK Operations Director Noel Smith, who divulged that their company is committed to developing relevant company-community partnerships with the surrounding community that contribute to the creation of a better future.
Additionally, Smith noted that the hall had been designed with purpose and versatility meant to serve a safe, dignified space for cooking and dining, a vibrant venue for co-curricular activities, a central location for stakeholders’ engagement meetings and trainings, a hub of education symposiums, and a secure and conducive environment for examinations.
“This dining hall stands as a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, schools and communities come together with a shared vision. The education pillar is one of the biggest beneficiaries of EPK’s company community partnership programmes in Nandi catchment areas,” Smith noted.
By Ruth Mainye
