Six secondary schools in Teso South Constituency, Busia County, are set to receive school buses purchased under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) programme in the current Financial Year. This was announced by area Member of Parliament (MP), Mary Emase, during the issuance of a bus to Father Okodoi Senior School and the commissioning of two classrooms at St Bridgit School in Teso South.
The buses are expected to improve students' access to academic trips and other co-curricular activities. According to Emase, the first bus has been delivered, and five more will be distributed to Apokor Secondary School, St Charles Lwanga, Kwangamor Secondary, and two other schools. This initiative aims to provide reliable transport for students attending academic trips and participating in curriculum activities, benefiting both students and the wider community.
In addition to the school buses, Emase revealed that the National government had allocated Sh181 million to complete construction works at Amukura College, facilitating its operationalisation. The funds will enable the college to commence operations, providing essential education infrastructure to the local community. Furthermore, affordable hostels are being constructed at the college, and an agriculture college is being established at Omoloi in Chakol South Ward.
Emase also highlighted ongoing development projects in the health sector. Expansion works at Lukolis Health Centre are underway, aiming to improve service delivery to residents. The National government has allocated Sh10 million, enabling the completion of a women's ward, with an additional Sh10 million expected to facilitate construction of a men's ward. This upgrade will enhance the hospital's capacity to serve the local population.
The MP urged the Busia County Government to strengthen its preparedness to respond to disasters associated with El-Niño rains. She emphasized the need for emergency resources to be available when needed and requested timely release of funds for emergencies from the National Government. Emase noted that food had already been distributed to residents affected by the ongoing rains, and swift response to disaster calls was crucial.
Father Okodoi Senior School Principal, Stanly Wachudi, welcomed the new bus, citing the long-standing challenge of providing transport for students, teachers, and community members. With approximately 800 learners, the school had struggled with expensive bus hire fees for academic and co-curricular activities. Wachudi expressed relief that the bus would ease the financial burden on the school and enhance students' participation in various activities.
The new bus is expected to benefit not only the school but also the broader community. Wachudi emphasized that the bus would serve as a vital resource, facilitating movement for students, teachers, and community members. This development is seen as a significant relief for the school and its stakeholders, who can now look forward to improved access to education and co-curricular activities.
Key points
- Six secondary schools in Teso South Constituency will receive school buses under the NG-CDF programme.
- The National government has allocated Sh181 million to complete construction works at Amukura College.
- Expansion works at Lukolis Health Centre are ongoing, with Sh20 million allocated for ward construction.
