President William Ruto has given Ksh1 million to students at Mandera Teachers Training College.
Speaking during a visit to the institution on Tuesday, February 4, the head of state said that the money was a gift to the student, who would then use it to buy lunch for the rest of the school.
‘Who is the president of this school?” the head of state asked shortly before a student rushed to the podium.
“Because we have come here, I will give you Ksh1 million to buy lunch for the rest of the students,” he said.
At the same time, the head of state promised to construct a new classroom for the students, saying that the construction would be complete before the end of the year.
“I will give instructions to the Ministry of Housing so that we can build the first block that will house at least 500 students here.
“And I want that block to be completed before the end of this year so that the students coming to school next year have a good place to stay,” added Ruto.
Also Read: 5 Chiefs Abducted by Al-Shabaab While Planning Ruto’s Visit
Ruto Boasts of Hiring Mandera Teachers
Further, the president highlighted his historical decisions for the county, explaining that he had hired the highest number of teachers within the county since independence.
“Every child in Kenya must have an opportunity to learn, and that is why in the last two years, I have hired 76,000 teachers.
“In this county, we have hired 900 teachers in the last two years, the highest since independence,” noted Ruto.
The government’s goal, added the president, is to ensure that every child has an opportunity to access quality education.
“Next year, we will provide affirmative action so that we can hire more teachers from Mandera and all our children will have an opportunity to learn.”
Also Read: Mandera Residents Urged to Help Flush Out Al-Shabaab
Chiefs Abducted in Mandera
At least five chiefs were reported missing on Monday, February 3, after suspected terrorists ambushed and kidnapped them in Elwak, Mandera County while en route to a security coordination meeting ahead of Ruto’s visit.
According to police and witnesses, the administrators were travelling by vehicle to Elwak when they were attacked and taken hostage between Bamba Owla and Ires Suki.
President Ruto is set to tour the northern region this week, prompting intensified security operations.
Local officials revealed that his itinerary includes a cabinet meeting in Garissa and visits to several counties, including Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa.
In response to the attack, security forces launched a major operation, with reports indicating that the attackers fled towards Somalia.
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