Schools to face legal action over mismanagment of infrastructure funds

By Wakhungu Andaje

Schools that have mismanaged their infrastructure funds will face the law with both the school managers and contractors being held culpable.

While traversing the constituency to inspect the 13 schools which received Ksh20Million infrastructure funds from President William Ruto which was pledged during the Malava by election campaigns, Malava Mp David Ndakwa has strongly condemned poor workmanship in some schools.

He further warned the head 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 to confirm the same is carried out and verified by the relevant authorities.

Malava Mp David Ndakwa middle with Butali Chegulo Mca Kevin Mahelo next and the sponsor and BOM chairperson left and 2nd left respectively shares a light moment with the Contractor of the ICT laboratory at Matioli secondary school./ Wakhungu Andaje 

While touring the 6 out of the 13 schools from Butali Chegulo ward that benefitted from the fund, Ndakwa said he has dedicated this 1st week of the month to inspect and gauge the progress of the various institutions that received Ksh1, 538,000 each to either put up or renovate facilities in their respective institutions, Ndakwa stated that the government was very keen on improving infrastructure in schools as it takes education matters very seriously. 

“I have dedicated this week to walk around the 13 schools from Kakamega North sub-county which received the infrastructure funds to ascertain the percentage of the work done and give a report over the same and those who have done an excellent work and still requires more upgrading will be considered but for 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”, said he.

The Mp said he will be compiling his report over the schools 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 on the projects those found to be substandard will be investigated and those involved held accountable, the President is serious about bettering education across the country hence we cannot afford to carryout substandard works” he cautioned.

Among the schools he inspected in Butali Chegulo ward were Matioli secondary school where he lauded the good work done on its ICT laboratory which currently stands at 85% complete, with tiling, ceiling, and piping finalized, and the procurement of 18 modern computers underway for a strong start.

He applauded the good work done by the contractor as the team inspecting focused on assessing fund utilization to ensure accountability, transparency, and value for public resources.

At the same time he also 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.”

Malava Mp David Ndakwa, Principal Matioli secondary Paul Shitanda, area Mca Kevin. Mahelo and BOM chairperson Mabel Litu upon inspecting the on going ICT hub at the school

At Tande Secondary School,he expressed his staifaction with the way work has been done at the institution, with the school currently renovating three classrooms, including new gal sheets, tiling, and in the final stages of installing fisher boards. 

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

Ndakwa further assured day school principals that he will be catering for form 3 and 4 school fees to enable the learners stay in school as well as the bursary to assist in developing infrastructure for more enrolment.

Other schools he toured were Manyonje, Matsakha, secondary, Mavusi and Shirambatsa primary.