Learners in Kiambu Constituency will enjoy enhanced educational opportunities and improved learning facilities as new projects at Riara Primary School and Riara Secondary School are completed, supported by the ongoing Free Day Secondary School Education Initiative.
The initiative was launched during a thanksgiving mass at Riara Catholic Church presided over by Father Paul Maichuhie, attended by parents, teachers, students, community leaders, and education stakeholders.
During the event, Kiambu Member of Parliament Machua Waithaka reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring all children in the constituency have access to quality education, irrespective of their family’s financial situation.
The legislator presented a bursary cheque to Riara Secondary School under the Free Day Secondary School Education Initiative, now in its second year. Waithaka reported that the initiative has successfully made all day secondary schools in Kiambu Constituency completely free for students.
“The Free Day Secondary School Initiative aims to ensure no child is denied education due to financial constraints. This programme eases the burden on parents and enables students to pursue their dreams with confidence,” he stated.
The MP encouraged parents, guardians, and local administrators to ensure all school-age children are enrolled and remain in school, highlighting that removing school fees in day secondary schools eliminates a significant barrier to education.
The event also celebrated the completion of extensive renovations at Riara Primary and Riara Secondary schools. The improvements included new windows and doors, upgraded roofing, tiled classrooms, landscaped areas, modern blackboards, and a new ablution block.
Waithaka explained that the investments aim to create a safe, dignified, and conducive learning environment while enhancing the overall quality of educational infrastructure in the constituency.
“Our leadership remains dedicated to ensuring every child in Kiambu Constituency learns in a safe, dignified, and conducive environment,” he emphasized.
Parents at the event commended the Free Day Secondary School programme, calling it a significant relief amid increasing economic difficulties.
Parent Peter Kimani shared his personal experience, noting his child had continued attending school without being sent home for fees. He compared the programme to traditional bursary schemes, stating the initiative had substantially reduced financial pressure on families and allowed students to concentrate on their studies.
Kimani praised the constituency leadership for implementing a programme that directly addresses educational barriers and assists vulnerable families.
The day’s activities also featured a tour of ongoing development projects at Ting’ang’a Model Primary School. Current construction includes new classrooms with tiled floors, modern blackboards, new windows and doors, and upgraded roofing. Future plans involve cabro paving, construction of a modern school gate, and a perimeter wall to improve security.
According to Waithaka, the upgrades aim to provide a safe and inspiring learning environment for both students and teachers while elevating the standards of public educational facilities throughout the constituency.
Alongside the educational projects, the MP joined students, parents, and residents in commissioning the newly tarmacked Turitu–Riara Catholic–Ndumberi Road.
The road serves Riara Primary School, Riara Secondary School, Loreto Girls, and Loreto Primary School, while extending to Kiratina. Residents believe the improved road network will greatly enhance mobility, reduce transportation challenges, and improve access to schools and neighboring communities.
The project also involved expanding and reconstructing a previously narrow bridge that had presented safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians for years.
Father Paul Maichuhie blessed both the educational facilities and the road infrastructure during the commissioning ceremonies, offering prayers for continued development and prosperity in the community.
The series of projects demonstrates the constituency leadership’s broader effort to strengthen educational opportunities, improve public infrastructure, and enhance service delivery for residents.
With renovated schools, tuition-free day secondary education, upgraded roads, and ongoing infrastructure investments, local leaders and residents expressed optimism that the initiatives will lead to better educational outcomes and improved living standards across Kiambu Constituency.