In a historic event at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to education during the county’s first-ever Education Prize Giving Day since the onset of devolution. As the chief guest, Governor Ndeti passionately underscored the transformative power of education, declaring it as “not just a preparation for life, but life itself.” Addressing a gathering of education stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, TSC officials, and representatives from KUPPET, KNUT, KEPSHA, and KESSHA, she pledged her administration’s continued investment in the sector to ensure that every child in Machakos has access to quality learning opportunities.
Governor Ndeti highlighted her government’s substantial efforts in improving education infrastructure, particularly in early childhood development. “We have constructed 24 ECDEs and equipped them with modern facilities, with plans to supply new furniture soon,” she announced. The school feeding program, a cornerstone of her administration, has significantly increased ECDE enrollment from 37,000 to 47,000, ensuring that young learners have the nutrition they need to thrive academically. Additionally, her government has drilled boreholes and provided water tanks to schools, tackling a long-standing water crisis that has hindered education in many parts of the county. 
Beyond infrastructure, the governor has prioritized financial support for learners from underprivileged backgrounds. Under her leadership, bursary allocations have seen a sharp increase, from Ksh 80 million in 2022/2023 to Ksh 120 million in the current and upcoming financial years. “No child in Machakos should miss school due to financial constraints,” she emphasized. Her administration has also provided full scholarships for over 300 needy students from all 40 wards, covering their secondary education costs. Demonstrating personal dedication, Governor Ndeti revealed that she has been paying school fees for over 500 students from her own resources, driven by her deep belief that education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty.
The governor’s education agenda extends beyond traditional schooling, as she has championed technical and vocational training for Machakos youth. Through the Machakos Youth Service, over 1,000 young people are currently being trained in various technical skills to enhance their economic prospects. “Education must go beyond the classroom; it should equip our youth with skills that can empower them financially,” she stated. Encouraging collaboration among parents, teachers, and stakeholders, she called for a collective effort to ensure that no student in Machakos is denied the right to education due to their background.
In her closing remarks, Governor Ndeti reiterated that education is a right, not a privilege, and vowed to continue supporting teachers and students across the county. “If my parents had not educated me, I would not be standing here as your governor,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. Her leadership in Machakos stands as a testament to her belief that investment in education is an investment in the county’s future. With bold initiatives and an unwavering passion, she is steering Machakos toward becoming a model county where education is the foundation for progress and prosperity.
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