National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has called on politicians to avoid divisive narratives on education matters, stressing that every Kenyan child has an equal right to quality education in any school across the country.
Speaking during the official opening of the newly constructed Nambale Urban Primary and Junior comprehensive School on Friday, Wetangula said no school should be associated with a specific region, community, or social group.
“All schools are built using taxpayers’ money contributed by Kenyans from all walks of life. There is no school that belongs to a particular region or people. Equality in education is achieved when children from all parts of the country learn together, and this is how a united nation is built,” he said.
The Speaker further urged the Ministry of Education to ensure fair and transparent access to national schools, noting that inclusivity in education is critical to social cohesion and national development.
He also directed the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to fully implement the presidential directive requiring all learners who completed Grade 9 to transition to Grade 10, saying no child should be left behind.
He highlighted the role of partnerships in transforming education infrastructure, pointing out that collaboration between government institutions and private sector partners has significantly improved learning environments.
He cited the modern ICT laboratory at the school as a key facility that will enhance digital learning and enable students to access online educational resources.
“The well-equipped ICT lab in this school is going to give our young learners an opportunity to learn in a digital environment,” he said.
The three-storey complex was constructed at a cost of Sh65 million through a partnership between the National Government Constituency Development Fund ( NGCDF ), which contributed Sh40 million, and the M-Pesa Foundation, which boosted it with Sh25 million.
Out of the foundation’s contribution, Sh10 million was used to furnish the building with modern equipment and infrastructure.
The facility comprises 10 fully equipped classrooms, an ICT laboratory, a library, and a staffroom, all designed to provide a conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers.
Nambale Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mulanya called on residents to continue supporting government initiatives, noting that close collaboration with the national government has accelerated development in the constituency.
“When I was elected, I resolved to work closely with the government, and today we can see the results. Let us continue supporting the government so that we can achieve development that will transform our lives and those of our children,” he said.
He also lauded the M-Pesa Foundation for its support, describing the project as one of the most significant education investments in the region, which will particularly benefit children from humble backgrounds by providing them with a modern learning environment.
M-Pesa Foundation Executive Trustee John Ohaga reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting education initiatives across the country, revealing that it has invested over Sh200 million in education infrastructure in Busia County since 2013.
“We are passionate about investing in communities together with partners to create lasting impact through education. This infrastructure will enable learners to explore their full potential and improve academic performance,” he said.
Ohaga further expressed the foundation’s willingness to collaborate with county governments and other partners in projects that enhance education and community development, adding that the foundation remains committed to improving the livelihoods of Kenyans through sustainable initiatives.
By Rodgers Omondi
