Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Tuesday said in the past it was the community which set aside land for the construction of Schools. In announcing that he had received a complaint exposing the alleged grabbing of a section of St. Theresa’s Secondary school land in Kiminini Sub County, the Governor said whoever was salivating for the school land should forego their egos and give children chance to realize their potential through learning.
The Governor noted that the move to take away land belonging to the learning institution was a challenge that needs to be addressed as an emergency. The Governor also addressed Students of St Veronica Weonia Secondary school in the Weonia Location, pledging to prioritize the acquisition of an extra acre of land.
This came immediately after the Board of Management Chairperson Mrs Elizabeth Nyongesa pleaded with the Governor to consider buying land for the school which is home to more than 200 students. “Your Excellency, us members of the Board of Management ( BOM) and the Community, your coming here is a miracle of the time. Your pronouncement will usher in hope for the education of these students before you “, said Mrs Nyongesa.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to see Trans Nzoia County revert to its earlier times of being an Academic giant when schools in the area toped others during the National Examination. “Trans Nzoia District used to be among the top performers in both Primary and secondary schools results. This is where i want us to go back to since that is where we belong “, said the Governor.
On early Pregnancies, the governor who once put chiefs on hot hills during his stint as the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner told girls to their faces ” Ninyi wasichana, hii mambo ya kupata mimba ovyo ovyo nitakimbizan na ninyi mpaka msikie”( loosely translated “You girls will run into problems with me if i find you pregnant instead of learning”
“Naskia ati hii soda tu ndiyo husababisha hii maneno “, he added and told them to seriously think of the humble backgrounds they come from and learn to develop their careers. The Governor’s presence in the School caused a standstill on his way to the Weonia trading Centre for an engagement with members of the public when close to 800 enthusiastic pupils chanting songs of ” Governor Wetu Natembeya “barricaded the road to wave to the governor. The County Governor was thrilled to see the love from the children, he stood at the top roof of his official car to address them.
The County boss addressed them assuring them of his government’s commitment to helping them have a better learning environment coupled with full scholarship from form one to form four. “The Kenya Constitution 2010 gives County Governments full control over early childhood education but that doesn’t bar us here in Trans Nzoia from assisting our children in secondary schools to achieve their education. This is because of the dwindling standards which we must all rise up to make sure we climb up the ladder “, he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Sikhendu ward representative Andrew Kutitila who committed to joining hands with the Governor to ensure the learners excel in their learning. The County Secretary Madam Truphosa Amere led the County government team that included Water and Environment CECM Patrick Gacheru, Governance Chief Officer Sammy Sichangi and Chief of staff Dickson Wamocho in attendance. Chief Hassan Ndamwe from Sikhendu and Justus Mulati of Weonia were also in attendance.
