President Uhuru Kenyatta and Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha on Thursday, September 17, made a surprise visit to a workshop in Umoja, Nairobi.
The presidents visit was to launch the Sh1.9 billion school furniture project that will see jua kali artisans supply 650,000 locally assembled desks.
The president made the an unannounced visit to Dean Achesa’s workshop in Umoja Estate during lunchtime on Thursday.
“After Kazi Mtaani program, we have said instead of school desks being made by big companies, we give our youth the opportunity to exercise their skills. We believe in individuals earning from their sweat and hence we decided to give our skilled youth the opportunity to earn decent livelihoods,” the President said.
Dean Achesa who is among thousands of local artisans contracted by the government for production.
In the 2020-21 budget, education sector grabbed the lion’s share with primary and secondary schools getting Sh2.1 billion from which Sh1.9 billion was allocated to buy 250,000 locally fabricated desks.
Another Sh300 million was put aside for capitation and improvement of infrastructure in low-cost boarding schools.
He challenged local artisans to ensure they assemble and supply desks that meet the highest quality standards and advised project beneficiaries to form saving societies to grow their earnings from the project.
“Once you start this work encourage all young people to form Sacco’s where they can be putting their savings. You should not utilise every coin, it is wise for you to save for the future,” the President said.
President Uhuru was accompanied by Education CS George Magoha, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and PS Karanja Kibicho.
