By John Kamau
St Francis primary school in Gatundu North constituency has been demolished to pave way for construction of a technical college.
The demolition of classrooms, ablution blocks, offices as well as the newly-built ECDE classrooms occurred yesterday.
Over 600 learners at the school are expected to join nearby schools including Mang’u, Kawira and Mwea primary schools upon reopening of schools in January next year.
Area MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia told journalists that the decision was reached after a series of consultative meetings with stakeholders adding that proper plans have been laid to ensure that all learners settle and continue with their studies in the neighboring schools.
He divulged that the government is planning to put a technical Institute, which would be the first of its kind in the region, and that funds for the project are intact. The project is expected to cost sh 300 million and expected to be complete by May next year.
He argued that the location at St Francis Primary school is convenient for a technical college since it has adequate land of about nine acres and is easily accessible as it nears the busy Thika-Mang’u-Flyover road.
He also noted that the institution is only 100 meters away from Mang’u primary school adding that it is not cost effective to run the two institutions separately.
“More classes will be built at Mang’u to accommodate more students. Learning will be effective and levels of performance will improve as more teachers will be hired and capitation allocation will be adequate. This will go a long way in saving the parents monies that they contribute,” Kururia said.
The MP also quipped that building a technical college in Gatundu North will improve accessibility to higher learning for Gatundu learners noting that they have endured strenuous years seeking higher education in institutions in far-flung areas.
“Gatundu North NGCDF has paid bursaries worth sh 30 million to institutions in other areas like Nairobi, Ruiru and Nairobi. These monies would be remaining here to benefit our people if we have a technical college,” he said.
Besides enhancing access to higher learning in the region, the project is expected to create job opportunities for locals.
Residents have welcomed the move saying that the project will trigger more developments in the area as well as change the face of Mang’u where it will be situated.
Monica Njoki, a resident, called on the lawmaker to ensure that there are adequate facilities in the nearby institutions to comfortably handle the number of new learners joining them.
“We hope that there will be enough classrooms, lavatories and other facilities to facilitate smooth learning. We also plead with the relevant authorities including the Ministry of Education to ensure that there are enough teachers,” Njoki said.
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