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Friday 21^st February, 2025

Good [Morning/Afternoon]

It is a great privilege to join you today as we witness two significant milestones, the laying of the foundation stone for Chepungus Model Nomadic School and later the handover of a fishing boat to the Loruk Beach Management Unit. These initiatives symbolize our shared vision for education, economic empowerment and sustainable development in our County.

At the heart of todays achievements is the unwavering commitment of our development partner and sponsor. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) who have played a critical role in making these projects possible.

Your dedication to sustainable community development has brought tangible change to our people, empowering our youth through education, supporting economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for our communities. The impact of your contributions will be felt for generations to come and we are truly grateful for your continued partnership.

The establishment of Chepungus Model Nomadic School is a transformative step towards bridging the education gap for nomadic communities. For too long, many children in pastoralist regions have struggled to access quality education due to mobility challenges and inadequate facilities. Today, we are taking a bold step to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has a chance to learn, grow and build a brighter future.

The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is championing total transformation of communities in Tiaty Sub-County. I say this with confidence because your CSR interventions along Lake Baringo- Silale Geothermal Project resonates well with the present and future needs of the people.

The construction of Chepungus model school will not only reduce illiteracy in this area significantly, it will also build the capacity for future workers. We are therefore laying the foundation stone for expertise that will manage the irrigation scheme and industrial parks and fishing industries that are coming to the region. In essence, we are setting the stage for a transformative socio-economic shift. This generous initiative by GDC will have a far-reaching impact, fostering stability by providing communities with essential resources. As we all understand, conflicts often arise due to resource scarcity and by addressing this need, we are contributing to lasting peace and development.

A well-designed model school is most effective when it operates as a boarding institution. A boarding school provides stability, ensuring that childrens' education is not interrupted by the nomadic lifestyle that has been prevalent in this region for generations. Additionally, it is essential that the school accommodates children from different areas, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

I urge GDC to take Chepungus Model School under its wing, nurturing its growth and development into a fully established institution. The new school will not only provide education but also create job opportunities for the local community, including positions for teachers, security personnel and cooks.

As we lay this foundation stone, let it symbolize hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better future for our children. I urge parents and guardians to take full advantage of this school by enrolling their children and supporting their education. Education is the most powerful tool we can equip our youth with and it is through institutions like this that we will nurture future leaders, professionals and innovators.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My administration remains fully committed to implementing transformative projects that uplift livelihoods, promote inclusivity and drive socio-economic growth. Last year, we employed 268 ECD teachers. We had to redeploy funds from other critical sectors because we believe that a strong foundation in education leads to a thriving future. We will collaborate with the national government to ensure that the majority of schools in the sub-county have access to water and food, creating a supportive environment that encourages higher student enrolment.

I request GDC to continue supporting the community with treated water.

Kindly consider extending the water pipes to this model primary school and a number of other schools in the area such as Nyaunyau primary, Pakka Hills Chemoril, Chemukutan and Tuwot. The provision of water has also helped reduce the loss of livestock during this dry season.

The introduction of the fishing boat marks a significant step in modernizing the local fishing industry. It not only enhances efficiency but also ensures a safer fishing experience, particularly for women who previously risked attacks from crocodiles and hippos while wading into the lake with fishing rods. Additionally, traditional fishing methods often yield minimal catches, limiting their contribution to food security.

Finally, I call upon the residents to take ownership of and protect the investments made by the County Government and its partners. It is crucial to prevent vandalism, especially on essential infrastructure like water pipes. Moreover, let us all work together to uphold the prevailing peace, as a stable and secure environment is vital for fostering partnerships and attracting further investments.

Once again I thank GDC, leaders and the local community for your dedication and cooperation in making these initiatives a success. Let us all work together to nurture education, embrace economic empowerment and build a future that we can all be proud of.

Asanteni Sana and God Bless us all!!