A local privately run electricity generating company has donated textbooks worth over Sh 200,000 in an effort aimed at impacting the livelihoods of locals through supporting education.

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!

Gulf Power General Manager, Norman Wanyiri, accompanied by a section of the company’s staff toured Mavoko Primary school in Athi River where they issued out assortment of textbooks to cater for the 1,200 pupils.

Addressing parents, teachers and pupils during the ceremony in the school on Monday, Mr Wanyiri said the initiative was part of the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to work with the local community to improve their livelihoods.

“This initiative is part of our greater structured program aimed at creating a permanent good relationship with the local neighboring community where possible, to transform and improve the livelihoods of the locals and in today’s case, we focused on supporting education,” said Wanyiri.

Gulf Power, one of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) owned by Kenyan investors has set up a 80 megawatts medium speed diesel power plant in Athi River, Machakos County. 

“For Gulf Power, social responsibility is not limited to signing a cheque, we are also planning to offer mentorship and provide as many individuals as possible with opportunities to traverse the limitations of their circumstances,” he said.

Area district education officer Joseph Kiema together with the school’s head teacher, Patrick Muthee lauded the initiative and vowed to mobilize the availed resources to ensure the school posted improved results in next year’s KCPE examinations.

“We also welcome other corporate organizations and well-wishers to partner with us in any way possible to improve the academic environment of our pupils,’ said Mr Muthee.

The school, which was started in 2010 has over 1,200 pupils and is faced with the challenge of shortage of physical infrastructure such as classrooms and sufficient playground. 

“We are faced with a huge challenge of matching the available facilities with the growing number of pupils every year which has overstretched the available facilities and made effective teaching a big challenge,” he said.