KPA Builds Dorm for Shimo La Tewa School
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
OVER 50 schools in the Coast region will benefit from an education development project by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The KPA Managing Director John Mwangemi said the projects will range from dormitories to libraries and laboratories.
He said developing such facilities is part the corporation’s contribution toward improvement of the education sector since the rear 2000.
Ambassador Mwangemi was speaking on December 1, 2001 when he handed over a Sh3.9 million new dormitory at Shimo La Tewa National High School, Mombasa County.
“This 60-bed-capacity dormitory was constructed at a cost of Sh3.9 million with KPA donating Sh2.9 million under the KPA Corporate Social Investment Program,” he said.
He said the port authority would continue to investing more resources in school infrastructure to expand more students as the government gears to actualize 100 per cent transitions from primary to school.
“We are informed that student numbers have been steadily rising with the current admission numbers standing at over 400 annually. I am sure this has put significant strain on the accommodation. The timeliness therefore of this new facility cannot be gainsaid,” he said.
He further reiterated that through the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) programme, KPA has also supported the health sector by establishing health facilities in the six regional counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Lamu and Tana River.
Ambassador Mwangemi, an alumnus body of Shimo La Tewa High School, pledged to rally his colleagues to mobilise more resources towards construction of adequate dormitories and classrooms.
“Shimo La Tewa School has strong historical relations with KPA given that a good number of employees passed through here. We commit to maintain this relationship with a view to ensuring that the school attains and maintains the best academic standards,” he reiterated.
The pledge was echoed by the school Chief Principal Mutiso Mbinda and Board of Management (BOM) Chairman Sammy Chivatsi, also an alumnus, who said the school needs more boarding facilities.
Mombasa County Director of Education Peter Magiri hailed Shimo La Tewa National High School for successfully implementing the presidential directive on hundred per cent transition by admitting about 500 Form-one students this year.
He said the admission of such numbers of students has also brought accommodation challenges hence the need for the school old boys to give a hand.
“As a former student, you and your colleagues are expected to continue supporting this school in terms of infrastructure development so that more students get admitted,” added Magiri.
The school Chief Principal, Mutiso hailed the school old boys association for also raising fees for dozens of bright needy students.