By Josphine Kasimu
Several schools across Kitui county have moved from decades of mud-walled classrooms to modern learning facilities after Safaricom through the M-Pesa Foundation, invests more than 300 million to a transformation expected to boost enrolment, improve academic performance and restore hope in the semi-arid region.
Kalwilaa Comprehensive School in Nuu Ward, Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County once modest institution, which for years operated from poor classrooms despite posting commendable results in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), now boasts modern facilities including five new classrooms, a spacious administration block, a staffroom, a well-designed school gate and a high-yielding borehole that will serve both the school and the surrounding community, this, being one of beneficiary of this Foundation in the county.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held on Friday, 20th February 2026, the headteacher, Mr David, expressed his gratitude to the M-Pesa Foundation for the facelift, noting that poor infrastructure had for many years hindered enrolment and growth.“When I first arrived here, the entire school had only 74 learners from nursery to Grade Eight due to the unfavourable learning conditions. We now have 122 pupils, and the number continues to rise. With this new infrastructure, we expect even greater growth,” he said.
Mr David further added that the improved learning environment would not only attract more learners but also motivate teachers and enhance academic performance.
Safaricom’s Group Chief Risk Officer, Mr Nicholas Mulila, said the foundation has invested heavily in the education sector across Kitui County, spending over KSh300 million on the construction and modernisation of school facilities.“Projects such as this demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind. This particular development has cost more than KSh22 million upon completion, and we will continue to commission similar projects in other parts of the county,” said Mr Mulila.
He urged parents and members of the local community to safeguard the new facilities and make proper use of the borehole, noting that it could be utilised as an income-generating resource to support the school’s needs and improve livelihoods.
The project is part of Safaricom’s corporate social responsibility programme aimed at improving access to quality education by providing a conducive learning environment.
However, despite the improved infrastructure and reliable access to clean water, parents, teachers and learners appealed to both the national and county governments to introduce school feeding programmes in the area. They cited persistent food insecurity caused by unreliable rainfall, which has contributed to low school attendance and affected academic performance.
The new facilities are expected to significantly enhance teaching and learning at Kalwilaa Comprehensive School and stand as a beacon of hope for the community, which has long struggled with inadequate educational resources.
