First Lady Rachel Ruto Champions Transformation of Unoa School in Makueni

By Andrew Mbuva.

First Lady Rachel Ruto has overseen a remarkable transformation of Unoa Comprehensive Primary School in Makueni County, signaling a major step forward in improving learning conditions for pupils and uplifting the surrounding community.

The initiative, spearheaded under her office, has seen the installation of a borehole, water storage tanks, and a solar-powered system to support both domestic use and irrigation. The project has not only addressed the school’s water challenges but also laid the foundation for sustainable development within the institution.

Mrs Ruto first visited the school last year and was struck by the harsh learning environment—children sat on bare, dusty ground, exposed to intense heat and swirling dust, with minimal tree cover or basic comfort. Moved by the situation, she pledged immediate intervention, prioritizing water access through a borehole and the establishment of a school kitchen garden.

“Unoa’s transformation journey started with the ambitious plan to grow grass where dust once ruled. But there was no water. So, the first and most urgent step became clear—we had to drill a borehole. From that one decision, a wider transformation journey began,” she said.

In less than a year, the school has undergone a visible turnaround. The once-barren compound is now covered in grass, while a thriving kitchen garden with fruit trees and nutritious crops stands as a symbol of resilience and initiative by the school community.

“Unoa did not wait—it took action. The kitchen garden you have created is a powerful statement. It says: we will not only receive change; we will build on it. I am proud of you for that,” she added.

The First Lady reaffirmed the government’s commitment—under President William Ruto—to investing in children through improved infrastructure, digital learning, school feeding programmes, and expanded access to clean water.

“When we strengthen our learning facilities, we build a stronger nation. And that is why we are here to celebrate today,” she noted.

She further called for enhanced partnerships between government, private sector, and development partners to create dignified and conducive learning environments across the country.

Mrs Ruto also commended the Dawoodi Bohra Community for mobilising resources towards classroom construction and renovation, noting their contribution had restored dignity and improved accessibility for learners, including those living with disabilities.

Additional support came from Konza Technopolis Development Authority and ICT partners, who established a modern ICT laboratory to expand digital learning opportunities for the pupils.

The event was attended by senior government officials, including Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir, Children Services Principal Secretary Carren Agengo, and Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili.

Ms Cheptumo described the transformation as more than an infrastructure upgrade, emphasizing its impact on the well-being of learners and teachers.

“This is not just an infrastructure project, but a lifeline that will improve the lives of learners and teachers. The Ministry remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure children receive the best,” she said.

Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir highlighted the role of the Thwake Dam, noting it will significantly boost water supply across Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties once completed. He added that the government continues to invest heavily in boreholes and dam projects nationwide.

Meanwhile, Children Services Principal Secretary Carren Agengo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children through sponsorship programmes and ensuring their safety in schools and communities.

The event also saw the donation of food supplies and other essential items to the school, further supporting learners and staff.

The transformation of Unoa Comprehensive Primary School now stands as a model of how targeted intervention, community effort, and strategic partnerships can redefine learning environments and improve lives.