Dr. Ida Odinga Library, Research and Innovation Centre in Homa Bay Town has received the first tokens of government equipment.
The Ksh300 million facility that is set to be the Nyanza region ICT hub received 30 laptops from the Ministry of ICT in efforts to help equip the centre.
Mama Ida Odinga toured the facility in the company of Principal Secretaries of ICT Jerome Ochieng, Education Julius Jwan and Fisheries Francis Owino, Peter Kaluma Area MP and Lilian Gogo Rwanga MP.
The facility which sits at Ogande Girls Highschool and is 20 per cent complete - right on schedule for being completed in 12 months.
Last year in August, Mama Odinga presided over a fundraiser for the facility's construction and provision of equipment that would be needed.
Apart from being an ICT hub, it boasts an auditorium with a sitting capacity of 1,000 with a recording studio and a library. This will make it a state-of-the-art facility in the region.
According to Ida, her inspiration for the facility, which saw collaboration between Ida Odinga Trust and the national government, was drawn from her experiences 50 years ago as a student in the school.
“Over 50 years ago, Mama Odinga together with her classmates would converge at a small library in the school after coming back from Ong’er Limbo where they would fetch water,” the former Prime Minister's spouse stated.
PS Ochieng’ noted that the government had made plans to have fibre optic cables connected to the facility and ensure fast, reliable and steady internet for the users.
“We want to enhance knowledge on ICT and innovation. This will be achieved through setting up a high-speed internet connection at the centre," he stated.
In the same event, Ida presented 350 lockers and donation of 50 boxes of sanitary towels to the girls.
“Education is the key to success. The desks will help the students to learn in a good environment,” she urged the students.
