Kiharu NG-CDF has allocated Sh5.5 million in the current fiscal year for upgrading Kandundu ECDE centre into a full-fledged primary school.
The funds will be used to construct classrooms to accommodate learners from grade one to grade nine.
According to Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, the school located at the outskirts of Murang’a town, will get an additional Sh4.5 million in the next financial year to complete the project.
Ndindi said once completed, the school will help absorb learners from the area, thus reducing congestion in neighbouring primary schools.
“Kandundu is a growing area in terms of settlements and population. The need to expand this ECDE centre into a primary school was informed by the fact students have been trekking for long distances to access education in schools within Murang’a town,” said the MP, when commissioning the project Friday.
Ndindi reiterated his commitment to improving education standards and school infrastructure in his constituency.
“Education in itself cannot be seen with bare eyes, but its impact on economic improvement and society at large is evident over time,” he stated.
He proposed naming the school after either former President Mwai Kibaki or veteran politician Kenneth Matiba, recognizing their contributions to Kenya’s development.
Ndindi also lauded the ongoing Masomo Bora program being implemented in day secondary schools within Kiharu, which allows parents to pay only Sh1, 000 per term while students receive meals, revision books, and enhanced facilities, including laboratories.
He noted that the initiative’s success has attracted over 2,000 students from neighboring constituencies, either commuting daily or living with relatives to access better education.
The MP underscored the significance of impactful leadership, emphasizing that elected leaders should let their work speak for them.
In addition to education, Ndindi inaugurated the newly constructed Kandundu Estate Road, which was completed in under a year.
He highlighted the constituency’s shift to concrete roads in steep areas, replacing murram roads that are frequently eroded by heavy rains.
“While concrete roads are costly, they provide a long-term solution compared to murram roads, which require frequent repairs after every rainy season,” Ndindi explained, assuring the residents that pending road construction projects would commence within the next two months.
Township Ward MCA Charles Machigo, praised the MP’s development agenda, recalling their initial discussions about constructing the school.
“We talked about this project, and our MP asked me to find land. I presented the title deed, and now here we are, ensuring that we always deliver on our promises,” Machigo said.
Margret Kamau, a retired teacher from Kandundu Nursery School, expressed gratitude, recalling how parents often asked when the school would be fully upgraded.
“I have been here since 2016 when we had only 16 students. Over the years, the MP has consistently supported renovations, and now, parents have peace of mind knowing their children will access primary education in the new school,” she said.
A local resident, Daniel Ndung’u, noted that infrastructure improvements have fueled economic growth, with more people moving into the area regardless of tribe or religion.
“The road has boosted businesses, increasing the number of shops and boda-boda operators,” he stated.
Meanwhile, area Assistant Chief Swaleh Hassan urged parents to monitor their children, cautioning them against playing near quarries, especially during school holidays.
“Security remains paramount, and we must ensure our children’s safety,” he emphasized.
By Bernard Munyao and Alex Ndegwa
