Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has revealed how local juakali businesses were uplifted in various counties after the Ministry of Education used Ksh1.89 Billion to carry out a supply exercise of desks to targeted schools in all counties under the Economic Stimulus Programme.
More than 600,000 desks were produced by local artisans and supplied to public primary and secondary schools in all 47 counties, with each identified primary school receiving 70 desks while each secondary school 50 lockers and chairs.
In a statement by the ministry on Friday, April 9, a total of 5,254 secondary schools and 5,136 primary schools received desks under the project.
According to the CS, the project was aimed at improving the schools' infrastructure to adhere to Covid-19 protocols in preparation for reopening of schools amidst the pandemic.
"The programme will support the improvement of school infrastructure, including acquisition of locally fabricated desks in order to get thousands of our graduates off the bench and into action while local artisans and builders businesses are supported," said President Kenyatta while introducing the program.
The 8-Point Economic Stimulus Programme was developed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to stimulate economic growth and cushion families and companies during the pandemic.
A total of Ksh53.7 billion was allocated to the programme with President Uhuru encouraging the ministries to utilize Jua Kali Sector in this endeavor.
"We are convinced, with the use of local labour and local construction materials, in line with our “Buy Kenya Build Kenya” Policy, we will stimulate and support micro and small business enterprises," stated Uhuru.
He said the second element of the stimulus programme, being the education sector, had been allocated an additional budget of Ksh6.5 Billion.
“I know the anxiety weighing on the minds of parents and their children in regard to when schools will re-open. We will in the very near future, be communicating,” he noted.
The Ministry of Education would also benefit with the hiring of 10,000 teachers and 1,000 ICT interns to support digital learning.
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