Mismanaged Malava schools risk legal action, MP warns

Schools that have mismanaged their infrastructure funds will face legal action, with both school managers and contractors being held culpable, Malava MP David Ndakwa has warned.

While traversing the constituency to inspect the 13 schools that received Ksh. 20 million in infrastructure funds from President William Ruto, pledged during the Malava by-election campaigns, Ndakwa strongly condemned the workmanship in some schools.

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He further warned heads of institutions (primary) and principals (secondary) who have colluded with their respective contractors to carry out shoddy work that they are likely to be apprehended if investigations confirm the malpractice and the same is verified by relevant authorities.

While touring six out of the 13 schools from Butali Chegulo Ward that benefited from the fund, Ndakwa said he had dedicated the first week of the month to inspect and gauge the progress of various institutions that received Ksh. 1,538,000 each to either put up or renovate facilities in their respective schools.

He stated that the government is keen on improving school infrastructure, as it takes education matters very seriously.

“I have dedicated this week to walk around the 13 schools in Kakamega North Sub-county that received infrastructure funds to ascertain the percentage of work done and compile a report. Those who have done excellent work and still require more upgrading will be considered, but those who may have failed to meet the required standards will be required to redo the work and/or be put to task to explain why they could not do a commendable job,” he said.

The MP said he will compile a report on the school projects and share it with the Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders in the constituency.

“After the report indicating the true status of the progress of the projects, those found to be substandard will be investigated and those involved held accountable. The President is serious about improving education across the country; hence we cannot afford to carry out substandard works,” he cautioned.

Among the schools he inspected in Butali Chegulo Ward was Matioli Secondary School, where he lauded the good work done on its ICT laboratory, which currently stands at 85 per cent complete, with tiling, ceiling and piping finalised, and the procurement of 18 modern computers underway for a strong start.

He applauded the contractor for the good work, as the inspection team focused on assessing fund utilisation to ensure accountability, transparency and value for public resources.

At the same time, he engaged the school administration, contractors, BOM and PTA representatives to confirm compliance and progress.

“Together, we continue to strengthen education infrastructure and deliver better learning outcomes for our learners and community within Malava,” he said.

At Tande Secondary School, he expressed his satisfaction with the progress of work at the institution, which is currently renovating three classrooms, including installing new galvanised sheets, tiling and the final stages of fitting fibre boards.

He praised Principal Dan Masitsa for reviving school enrolment and putting the institution back on the academic radar.

Ndakwa further assured day school principals that he will cater for Form Three and Form Four school fees to enable learners to stay in school, as well as bursaries to assist in developing infrastructure for increased enrolment.

Other schools he toured were Manyonje, Matsakha Secondary, and Mavusi and Shirambatsa Primary Schools.