Eastern Produce Limited Kenya (EPK) has commissioned eight science laboratories across eight Junior Secondary Schools in Nandi County at a cost of Sh 16 million.
The new laboratories are expected to enhance science training and improve educational outcomes in the region, providing students with the necessary infrastructure to engage in practical learning.
Furthermore, the initiative is part of EPK’s commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to the development of education in Kenya.
Speaking at Cheptabach primary school during the handing over ceremony, Company Director Leah Chirchir promised the organization’s plan to commission more junior school laboratories to support the Government’s Competency Based Curriculum, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills.
Among the schools that benefitted from the laboratories include Kipsitoi, Kipchamo, Nandi Hills Township, Septon, and Kamarini junior schools.
During the event, the organization also launched a secondary school scholarship program at a cost of Sh2 million.
“Education is our investment in the future as it contributes to social stability, improved health and livelihoods. Our goal is to ensure that students in Nandi have access to quality education, especially in the sciences. We believe that these laboratories will play a crucial role in fostering a love for science and innovation among young learners,” she said.
The Company director noted that EPK education project has benefitted over 60,000 learners since 2016 with an investment of more than Sh30 million.
Meanwhile, Chirchir emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s broader corporate social responsibility objectives, which include enhancing educational facilities and opportunities for students in the regions where the company operates.
Local officials and school administrators praised EPK’s contribution to education, expressing hope it would inspire other corporate entities to invest in education.
With the introduction of these state-of-the-art laboratories, the JSS in Nandi are set to become hubs of scientific learning and innovation, potentially sparking a new generation of scientists and engineers from the region.
EPK is one of the biggest multinational producers of tea in Kenya, with tea estates centered in the beautiful Nandi Hills area. Some of the tea estates include Kibabet, Kapsumbeiwa, Kipkoimet, Kepchomo, Chemomi, Siret, and Kaboswa among others. It has also established 15 schools within its estates.
By Linet Wafula
