By Gerald Mukembu
Parents eased their burden after Lewa Wildlife Conservancy invested Sh8 million in modern, digitally equipped classrooms at Rugusu Primary and Junior Secondary School, an intervention that has transformed learning conditions, boosted enrolment and improved access to basic amenities for the surrounding community.
Philis Kanana, whose children attend Rugusu School, said the new facilities have reduced the daily struggles families previously faced.
“I used to struggle to fetch water and firewood every day. Today, we have a borehole and other amenities. Children are now coming from far because of the improved facilities,” she said.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy commissioned five modern classrooms at the school, cementing a long-term public–private partnership that has turned the once-remote institution into a digitally enabled centre of learning. The project forms part of a wider infrastructure programme aimed at improving access to quality education in communities neighbouring the conservancy.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Lewa’s Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer, John Kinoti, said the initiative demonstrates the impact of collaboration between local communities, government and development partners in driving sustainable development.
“Education is central to transforming generations. Learners spend most of their formative years in school, and a large portion of that time is in classrooms. Providing safe, well-equipped learning spaces is essential for meaningful learning and a better future,” Kinoti said.
He noted that improved infrastructure at Rugusu has led to a significant increase in enrolment and attendance, with the school population rising from 112 learners to more than 600 in recent years.
Lewa’s Head of Education Programmes, Purity Kinoti, said the five classrooms are fully furnished and equipped with electricity, tiled floors, adequate desks, a reliable water supply and Starlink internet with paid subscriptions.
She added that the conservancy currently supports 28 schools across the region.
According to Kinoti, Lewa has constructed more than 100 classrooms across the county, many fitted with digital smart boards, Starlink Wi-Fi and complemented by teacher training programmes to strengthen digital learning.
“Our education investments are designed to complement conservation by improving livelihoods and creating long-term opportunities for communities living around the conservancy,” she said.
At Rugusu School, the support extends beyond classrooms. Lewa has also facilitated the construction of a kitchen and dining hall, boys’ and girls’ dormitories, an office block and a staffroom, as well as the provision of office equipment, including a printer used for examinations.
“The land hosting the school was acquired by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with support from parents. We have also sunk a borehole that supplies water to the school and the wider community,” Kinoti added.
The five newly commissioned classrooms are part of 12 modern units constructed at the school at a total cost of Sh8 million.
The investment, Kinoti said, aligns with national education priorities, particularly the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, which places strong emphasis on digital literacy.
“Education in the 21st century must embrace digital learning to prepare children for the modern job market and to contribute to the growth of the digital economy,” she said.
County Director of Education Joseph Maki praised the initiative, saying it had addressed critical infrastructure gaps in public schools and directly improved learner morale, attendance and retention.
“This is a major milestone. Conducive learning environments enhance self-esteem, increase enrollment and improve attendance. Many schools in this region are still grappling with serious infrastructure challenges,” Maki said.
