The Kenya Ports Authority on Monday handed over a Sh39 million multipurpose hall to Mazeras Girls Memorial Secondary School in Samburu, Kwale county.
The hall, whose construction was launched in 2019, is set to serve about 1,200 girls.
KPA chairman Benjamin Tayari said this was part of the authority's corporate social investment programmes to empower the community. He spoke during the handing-over ceremony at the school.
“This project, that cost us Sh39 million, marks a significant milestone in our CSI initiatives, reflecting our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve,” Tayari said.
"This is one of the most expensive projects the authority has undertaken through our CSI programmes, this serves as a testament to KPA’s unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives and people we serve.”
He said KPA remains committed and is dedicated to undertaking projects aimed at elevating the social status of communities.
“This multipurpose hall is more than just a structure, it is a symbol of our dedication to education, empowerment and community development,” Tayari said.
“It is a space where students can gather for various activities, where teachers can conduct workshops and where the community can come together for events and celebrations.”
KPA, he said, has been at the forefront of social-economic development growth, aiming to achieve human and community development since 2000.
He said KPA has over the years implemented several CSI programmes ranging from health, education, environment, sports, humanitarian aid and relief and women's empowerment.
“I'm proud to know that to date, our CSI programmes have made significant contributions to the development of more than 60 infrastructures, including a dispensary, school laboratories, libraries, dormitories, classrooms, a centre for rescued girls and administration blocks across the nation,” he said.
During the drought in 2022, KPA distributed assorted food items to more than 4,000 families in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties.
The KPA chairman challenged students and teachers at the school to work hard in their academics to post better results in national examinations.
School chief principal Faith Waithaka said the hall will go a long way in serving the school and neighbouring communities.
“Your [KPA] generosity has made a profound impact on our institution. Our girls will no longer need to take their meals under the scorching sun,” she said.
“This hall is not merely a structure of bricks and water, it symbolises the realisation of dreams not just for Mazeras, but for the whole subcounty.”
Waithaka said the hall will come in handy in hosting events, from academic conferences and cultural celebrations to indoor sports, tournaments and community gatherings.
“This hall is a hub of possibilities, fostering an environment where learning extends beyond the classroom,” she said.
Bernard Mwalukuku, the Samburu subcounty director of education, urged other government entities and donors to support the 19 public schools in the area.
“We are moving into senior schools, which will entail having special pathways. Those pathways will require more infrastructure in terms of classes, special facilities for music and other talents.”
“This will require immense support from the government and support from other partners, KPA being one of them,” he said.
Mazeras Girls Memorial Secondary School, formerly known as Bombolulu Girls Secondary School, opened its doors in 1992.
However, a fire incident in March 1998 that led to the deaths of 25 girls saw the school close before it was reopened and renamed Mazeras Girls Memorial in 1999.
Tayari and other guests laid flowers on the memorial plaque to honour the girls who lost their lives in the fire 25 years ago.
“The school still stands tall to remember the girls who lost their lives for Mazeras Girls to be born,” Waithaka said.
