MURANG’A: Learners at Karimamwaro Primary School in Kandara Sub County, Murang’a County, are set to benefit from a Sh30 million infrastructure project commissioned by the M-Pesa Foundation. The project includes the renovation of six classrooms, the construction of three junior secondary classrooms, an early childhood development center, a science laboratory, a fully equipped library, and ablution blocks.

According to Kenya News Agency, Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu highlighted the foundation’s commitment to transforming lives and investing in education. The initiative focuses on renovating schools in the neediest areas to provide equal educational opportunities for Kenyan children. The project will also feature a water harvesting system and storage tanks to aid in water conservation.

Ogutu underscored the importance of education in unlocking community potential and improving livelihoods. Since its inception in 2010, the M-Pesa Foundation’s education programs have impacted over 1.3 million learn
ers across Kenya’s 47 counties through infrastructure projects and the M-Pesa Foundation Academy, which supports children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang commended the foundation’s efforts and noted the ministry’s plans for transitioning Grade 9 learners in January 2025, including allocating Sh300 million for new classrooms. He also mentioned the distribution of 9.9 million books and the recruitment of 20,000 trained teachers to ensure uninterrupted learning.

The event was attended by various leaders, including CS Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Andrew Karanja, PS Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho, KRA Chairperson Anthony Mwaura, and Murang’a County Women Representative Betty Maina. In support of the National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign, Dr. Karanja distributed 11,000 seedlings to promote environmental restoration and sustainable farming.