Learners at Chekombero Special School in Sabatia Constituency, Vihiga County, have received a major infrastructural upgrade, thanks to a KES 50 million investment by the M-Pesa Foundation aimed at transforming the learning environment for students with disabilities.
The project, part of the Foundation’s Citizens of the Future Programme, included the renovation of classrooms for Grades 1 to 9 and the construction of a new Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) block to ease congestion and enhance comfort for learners.
In addition, a new, fully equipped 20-seater ICT laboratory has been established to introduce students to digital learning. This marks a significant step forward for the school, which has long struggled with overcrowded classrooms and inadequate facilities.
“At M-Pesa Foundation, we believe that every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves access to a learning environment that empowers them,” said Nicholas Nganga, Chairman of the M-Pesa Foundation. “This investment is about restoring hope, enabling access to digital opportunities, and preparing learners for a brighter future.”
The Foundation also renovated and furnished dormitories to provide safer and more comfortable accommodation for learners during the school term. A new multipurpose hall and a modernized kitchen equipped with two energy-efficient jikos were added to improve meal preparation and dining conditions.
For years, the students at Chekombero Special School have endured worn-out infrastructure that hindered their learning and well-being. According to the school’s principal, Wilson Otieno Charles, the upgrades have been transformative.
“Our learners have spent years in difficult conditions, but today they are walking into classrooms with fresh looks, strong roofs, and enough space to learn and grow,” said Charles. “This new ICT lab has opened a whole new world for our learners. For many of them, this is probably their first interaction with a computer.”
M-Pesa Foundation is implementing similar education-focused projects in all 47 counties as part of its nationwide initiative to promote inclusive and quality learning environments for all children.
Written By Rodney Mbua
