Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara during groundbreaking at Ober Primary School, Kabondo Kasipul constituency. M-Pesa Foundation and Safaricom Foundation to construct Sh40 million modern infrastructure at the school. [James Omoro, Standard]

A primary school in Homa Bay county is set to benefit from Sh40 million infrastructure upgrade.

The M-Pesa Foundation and Safaricom Foundation are undertaking the project at Ober Primary School in Kabondo Kasipul constituency.

The project involves the construction of modern classrooms for Early Childhood Education (ECD), primary and Junior Secondary School.

M-Pesa Foundation and Safaricom Foundation will also construct a computer laboratory, ablution block, modern kitchen, a gate, water points, two energy efficient energy jiko, fencing of the school compound, planting 1,000 fruit trees, renovation and equipping of the administration block.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara and Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu launched construction of the project.

Ogutu said the project will be complete in June next year.

He said this will enable the learners to be digital savvy.

The Safaricom Foundation Chairman revealed that the laboratory will be equipped with 40 computers to boost digital literacy.

“We want to promote digital knowledge in this school by purchasing and installing computers connected to internet. M-PESA Foundation and Safricom Foundation are committed to ensuring students in this school become Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literate,” Ogutu said.

He said the project will also enable the students to learn in a conducive environment.

“We want the children to learn in a clean environment where they are not predisposed to public health issues. It is important to cushion children from factors which predispose them to communicable diseases,” Ogutu added.

Dr Obara expressed optimism that the project will contribute to the digital economy of the country.

 “The economy of our country and the world is going digital today. The computers which are going to be installed in this school will equip our learners with digital skills which will enable them to do online jobs and other ICT related opportunities,” she said.

The MP said the modern infrastructure will improve enrollment in the area.

“A school with modern infrastructure gives pupils the morale to learn. This project will transform this society,” Dr Obara said.