Embu: Njukiri Primary School comes to life as alumni returns to fund renovations

In Embu's Njukiri village, a tranquil expanse bubbling with life and promise, a transformative initiative led by businessman Ken Java Mwaniki – popularly known as 'Wakagoto' - has sparked renewed hope and excitement.

Wakagoto, an alumnus of Njukiri Primary School, has officially begun a comprehensive renovation project aimed at revitalizing the school’s aging infrastructure and sprucing up its badly deteriorated state.

The undertaking seeks to restore the school’s former glory and significantly boost its dying enrollment numbers while also encouraging education in a village where school-going children are quickly becoming a rarity.

Currently, Njukiri Primary School faces insurmountable challenges occasioned by its dilapidated facilities, with student enrollment plummeting to a shocking 39 pupils.

However, through Wakagoto's timely intervention, there is a gleaming promise of a brighter future for the local children and the entire community too.

Earlier, Wakagoto had expressed his interest in refurbishing the school as it was his alma mater. However, his overtures would quickly be met with stiff resistance from local leaders, prompting him to urgently constitute a task force aimed at presenting a signed petition to the area legislator.

This was preceded by a spirited public participation forum at the school which incorporated thousands of Njukiri dwellers with the aim of immediately instituting a face-lift.

"In line with the resolutions from (that) day and in tandem with Article 1 of the Kenyan Constitution which states that power belongs to the people, we shall commence the school's facelift," Wakagoto declared on his social media platforms.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, attended by the school’s Board of Management, parents, and village residents, Wakagoto expressed optimism about the project’s impact.

"Upon completion, we anticipate the school’s population to increase from the current 39 pupils to 500 pupils,” he announced.

The renovation plans include installing ceramic tiling, constructing a new gate, a modern ablution block, and premium cabro paving on driveways and walkways.

Additionally, worn windows and doors will be replaced, structures repainted, and new roofing installed, transforming the school into a state-of-the-art facility.

Despite the positive outlook, the project faced opposition from some local leaders. Wakagoto early this year revealed attempts by certain powerful individuals to obstruct the renovation, promoting strong reactions from the community.

Despite it all, the youthful business magnate remained resolute, viewing the renovation as part of his company Eagle 1 Concrete and Machineries Ltd’s Community Social Responsibility.

This initiative, he emphasized, was not only a personal mission but also a crucial step towards uplifting his alma mater and the broader community.

"We are extremely thrilled by this move. This school has been neglected for years and parents have had to transfer their children to other schools, further affecting the studies and morale here," a teacher, who preferred not to be named, said.

"We are now hopeful that the renovation will light up the community and inject an educational spirit into our children as well as uplifting the literacy levels in Njukiri."