The M-Pesa Foundation has constructed and equipped learning facilities worth KES69 million at Mumbi Primary School in Nyandarua County.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Foundation said it has constructed and equipped 16 classrooms, an administration block, a library and ICT centre in the school, creating a better environment for the learniers.

The investment also included the construction of a multipurpose hall, a dining hall and kitchen, a 16-door pit latrine for girls and a 16-door pit latrine for boys, a 4-door pit latrine for teachers and a school gate.

“Education has the power to transform lives if learners are given an opportunity to access quality facilities. Education goes beyond the content; infrastructure is an enabling factor in improving learning standards,"  said Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom.

He added: "That is why as a Foundation, we launched the Citizens of the Future Programme last year, which is geared towards the rehabilitation of schools through construction and renovation of learning facilities. The five-year programme targets more than 500 schools in each of the 47 counties."

In October last year, M-Pesa Foundation launched Citizens of the Future, a programme that seeks to upgrade infrastructure, enhance teacher skilling in ICT in over 600 institutions nationwide, and award scholarships to over 10,000 students in senior secondary and tertiary institutions over the next five years.

“We had dilapidated school facilities which affected the performances and morale of the learners. Most of the structures were condemned which posed a challenge to teaching and learning at this institution. There was low enrolment as a result," explained David Gachomba, the Headteacher, Mumbi Primary School.

He added: "However, since the Foundation constructed new facilities at the school, we have seen a significant improvement in our academics and we expect a rise in the intake of learners this term owing to the conducive learning environment."

Since Inception, Safaricom through its Foundations has invested KES132 million in education projects in Nyandarua County.