President Uhuru Kenyatta and Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha on Thursday, September 17, made a surprise visit to a workshop in Umoja, Nairobi.
This came after the government allocated Ksh1.9 billion for the purchase of locally assembled desks to both public primary and secondary schools.
The President was also accompanied by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho in the impromptu visit.
"H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, accompanied by Dr. Fred Matiangi, Prof. George Magoha and Dr. Karanja kibicho, paid a surprise visit to Dean Achesa's workshop in Umoja, Nairobi, to inspect the progress in the production of furniture set to be supplied to public schools," read a statement from the Interior Ministry.
During the visit, Uhuru explained why the government tender to purchase the desks was not awarded to big companies but to Jua Kali artisans.
"After the 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," he noted.
The government allocated Ksh1.9 billion under the Economic Stimulus Programme for the furniture upgrade which targets Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and local artisans.
Magoha warned stakeholders against engaging in corruption in regards to the supply of 622,357 desks, lockers, and chairs to schools ahead of school resumption.
The design prototypes and technical specifications for the desks were availed to all County Commissioners, Deputy County Commissioners and County Directors of Education.
An education stakeholders' meeting slated for Friday, September 25 will decide on the exact date of schools reopening.
