Learning conditions for students in Embu County are receiving a major boost following the official groundbreaking of a KSh64 million infrastructure development project at St. Francis Kanja Senior School.

Funded by the M-Pesa Foundation, the investment aims to eliminate physical learning barriers, improve academic outcomes, and equip students with modern curriculum skills. The groundbreaking marks a key milestone under the foundation’s nationwide Citizens of the Future programme, which targets the upgrading of at least 500 schools across Kenya over the next five years through private sector and county government partnerships.

Addressing the learners, Safaricom PLC Mount Kenya Region General Manager Patrick Mburu emphasised that the investment aims to level the playing field so that students in rural locations such as Kanja, Siakago, Ena, and Embu Town can access quality educational resources.

He further urged the students to take advantage of the upgraded facilities by remaining disciplined, working hard, and relying on guidance from teachers and parents to achieve their career aspirations.

“The upgrading of these structures is not in vain. This is about engraining your skills and maximising your potential so that, in the short term, you excel in your academic journey and, in the long term, you add value to society through the skills you have learned from your teachers,” Patrick Mburu said.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together key leaders, including Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire, local leaders, clergy members, and community members.