Kenya Port Authority (KPA) has sponsored the construction of infrastructure worth millions of shillings in over 50 public schools in Coast region.
KPA acting Managing Director John Mwangemi said that the new facilities, including dormitories, libraries and laboratories, built since 2000, were part of the organisation’s contribution towards enhancing quality of education in the region.
Ambassador Mwangemi was speaking Wednesday during the handing over ceremony of a Sh3.9 million new dormitory at Shimo La Tewa National High School, Mombasa County.
“This new 60-capacity dormitory was constructed at a cost of Sh3.9 million with KPA donating Sh2.9 million under the KPA Corporate Social Investment Program,” he said.
The KPA MD further indicated that KPA is committed to investing more resources to build more school infrastructure to accommodate rising student population due to successful implementation of the government 100 per cent transition policy.
“From the briefing we have received, student numbers have been steadily rising with the current admission numbers standing at over 400 annually. I am sure this has put significant strain on the accommodation. The timeliness therefore of this new facility cannot be gainsaid,” he said.
He further reiterated that through the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) programme, KPA has also supported the health sector by establishing health facilities in the six regional counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Lamu and Tana River.
“Our objective is in tandem with the millennium development goals with focus on uplifting the education, health, environment and sports sectors, among other areas of humanitarian interventions,” he added.
Ambassador Mwangemi, a member of Shimo La Tewa High School, Old Boys Association (SOBA) pledged to rally his colleagues to mobilise more resources towards construction of adequate dormitories and classrooms.
“Shimo La Tewa School has strong historical relations with KPA given that a good number of employees passed through here. We commit to maintain this relationship with a view to ensuring that the school attains and maintains the best academic standards,” he reiterated.
He made the pledge following an appeal by the school Chief Principal Mutiso Mbinda and Board of Management (BOM) Chairman Sammy Chivatsi, also a Soba member, to rally the school’s old boys to mobilize resources towards construction of more boarding facilities to accommodate students.
“I pledge to rally my colleagues to support this mighty school because without it, we would not be, where we are today. I also urge the current students to work extra hard and ensure this school regains its lost glory,” added Ambassador Mwangemi.
Mombasa County Director of Education Peter Magiri hailed Shimo La Tewa National High School for successfully implementing the presidential directive on hundred per cent transition by admitting about 500 Form-one students this year.
He said the admission of such numbers of students has also brought accommodation challenges, which he called on the school old boys to contribute towards addressing.
“As a former student, you and your colleagues are expected to continue supporting this school in terms of infrastructure development so that more students get admitted,” added Magiri.
The school Chief Principal, Mutiso hailed the school old boys association for also raising fees for dozens of bright needy students.
“Every time, our old boys hear cases of students dropping out due to lack of fees, they come together and raise money to ensure such students resume studies. That spirit of sharing and togetherness is what drives this school forward,” he observed.
By Galgalo Bocha and Riziki Tokal
