By Hilda Atika
Shinyalu Constituency Member of Parliament Fred Ikana has pledged to transform the infrastructure of various schools in partnership with education officials and local MCAs.
MP Ikana emphasized his commitment to developmental politics that prioritize education. He assured residents of his willingness to collaborate with elected leaders, regardless of their party affiliations, to achieve tangible results in the education sector.
Speaking at Shidodo Primary School, where he commissioned the construction of new classrooms, Ikana urged the contractor to expedite the work to ensure learners can access the facilities soon. He also praised the contractor at Shitochi Secondary School for making steady progress on classroom projects, which are expected to be completed before the end of the current school term.
“This is the work that has brought me here. If we want to change Shinyalu, we have to invest in education,” Ikana told parents.
Last year, Ikana fulfilled a pledge to support all Form 4 candidates in day schools with bursaries of Ksh. 5,000 per student. The initiative aims to reduce instances of students being sent home for school fee arrears, a situation that often forces parents to sell livestock to meet the costs.
Expressing gratitude to parents, teachers, and students for their collective efforts, the MP noted significant improvements in the 2024 KCSE results. The number of students scoring grade “E” in Shinyalu dropped from 162 to fewer than 100. Additionally, the number of students joining university this year has nearly doubled compared to the previous year.
“We have started the journey, and we shall not rest. I want to ensure every home has a graduate and a degree holder. That’s why I am focused on education,” Ikana said passionately.
During the event, Ikana acknowledged the immense challenge of infrastructure development in Shinyalu’s schools. He began addressing this issue by visiting Ingolomisio Secondary School in Isukha North, where he commissioned a classroom project that had stalled.
“This project, started by my predecessor Hon. Justus Kizito, will be completed,” Ikana vowed, while warning against leaders who initiate projects only to abandon them. “Such actions misuse public funds and pain our people.”
The MP allocated Ksh. 14 million to complete the stalled project, ensuring a conducive environment for learning.
Ikana also raised concerns about the collapsing infrastructure of St. Philips Mukomari Secondary School, which he attributed to poor management. He cited challenges with loan repayments, which had forced many parents to transfer their children due to repeated financial demands.
To address skills training, Ikana announced a partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank to secure Ksh. 3 million for Sigalagala Polytechnic. He urged parents to enroll their children in TVET courses offered at the polytechnic, which he believes will provide employment opportunities for graduates.
“We want the polytechnic to employ our own children who have studied there and graduated. This vision will become a reality when I come to grace the next graduation ceremony at the institution,” Ikana said.
The MP reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that education in Shinyalu becomes a cornerstone for development, transforming the lives of families and the future of the constituency.
