Pupils in marginalised parts of Meru, Isiolo and Laikipia counties are studying in permanent, well-equipped classrooms for the first time after 28 public schools benefited from new learning facilities under a public-private partnership spearheaded by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
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At Rugusu Primary School in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, learners who previously studied in overcrowded or semi-permanent structures are now enjoying modern classrooms fitted with digital learning tools, marking a major milestone for the school and the surrounding community.
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“Children spend most of their day in school, and the classroom should be a safe and supportive space for learning,” said Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s Chief of Programmes and Partnerships, Mr John Kinoti, during the handover of the new facilities at Rugusu Primary School.
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Lewa constructed 12 permanent classrooms at the school and renovated two others. The project also included the installation of digital smartboards, provision of tablets for pupils and laptops for teachers, as well as internet connectivity to support digital learning.
Mr Kinoti said the education programme focuses on communities living around the conservancy, where many schools continue to grapple with inadequate and unsafe learning infrastructure.
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“These schools have faced serious shortages of classrooms, and in some cases pupils were learning in structures that were neither safe nor suitable,” he said.
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Head of Lewa’s Education Department, Ms Purity Kinoti, noted that the initiative has so far delivered 128 fully equipped classrooms across 28 schools in the three counties.
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“Our focus is on ensuring learners in these marginalised areas have access to the same learning tools as their peers in better-resourced regions,” she said.
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Meru County Director of Education Joseph ole Maki welcomed the initiative, saying improved infrastructure plays a critical role in retaining learners and motivating teachers.
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“When classrooms are adequate, secure and well equipped, both learners and teachers are more motivated to perform better,” he said, adding that partnerships with non-governmental organisations help bridge long-standing gaps in public education.
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Beyond classrooms, Rugusu Primary School also received additional facilities including dormitories, a kitchen and dining hall, an office block and a borehole to improve access to clean water. Parents in the community worked closely with the conservancy to secure extra land for the school’s junior section.
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Teachers at the school said the new facilities have significantly reduced congestion and created a more comfortable learning environment, raising optimism for improved academic performance in the coming years.
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