Some 2000 desks and lockers worth Sh1.9 billion will be distributed in Nyando sub County so as to achieve social distancing in both primary and secondary schools before re-opening of schools.
According to the area Deputy County Commissioner(DCC) Julius Kavita, 19 secondary and 15 primary Schools in the area will benefit from the national government initiative.
Speaking in his office at Awasi Tuesday, Kavita said the project is modelled on the ongoing youth community work employment initiative as part of the post Covid-19 economic recovery plan.
He said 34 public schools spread in various wards will ensure skilled local youth are engaged to benefit from the ambitious plan.
“70 desks will be provided in each primary school, while another 50 lockers will be distributed to every secondary section to ensure student maintain social distance as spelt out by the ministry of health,” he said.
The deputy county commissioner said already the tender has been floated for local artisans to assemble and supply desks that meet highest quality standards.
“The exercise will be conducted by multi sectorial committee in the sub County who will be fair and transparent in giving out the tenders,” he said.
Kavita said they will target schools that were affected by recent floods in the region including Kandaria, Ombaka, Kakola among others.
He said in a bid to deal with ghost suppliers, the committee will physically visit the workshops to assess their workmanship and ability to offer the required services.
The deputy county commissioner said so far they have received overwhelming requests from the youth who have shown interest to supply the desks.
The project came after the government released guidelines for re-opening of schools where learners, teachers and school workers will be required to wear face masks, maintain physical distance and check for Covid -19 symptoms daily once learning resumes.
Nyando sub-county boasts of 44 secondary and 97 primary schools. At the national level, some 5,254 secondary and 5,136 primary Schools will benefit from the school project.
Secondary lockers and primary desks will cost shillings Sh3,800 and Sh 2,500 each respectively amounting to about 6.2 million for the region.
By John Ochanda
