Lupa Constituency MP Masache Kasaka has pledged to pay Form Five and Form Six school fees for students at Lualaje Secondary School in Chunya District who attain Division One in their Form Four national examinations.
Kasaka made the pledge during the school’s first Form Four graduation ceremony, urging students to remain focused on their studies and strive for academic excellence to secure better opportunities for their future.
He said the sponsorship would help outstanding students continue with their education without the financial burden of paying school fees.
“I urge students to study hard and perform well in their examinations. I will cover the costs of Form Five and Form Six education for those who attain Division One, enabling them to continue their studies without financial barriers,” Kasaka said.
The pledge comes as the school seeks to address infrastructure challenges affecting its learning environment.
School headteacher Mohamed Juma said the institution had 213 students but lacked adequate facilities, particularly science laboratories and dormitories.
He called on education stakeholders to support efforts to improve the school's infrastructure and provide students with a more conducive learning environment.
“Despite the efforts being made, we still need additional infrastructure, especially science laboratories and dormitories, to improve learning conditions and ensure students have access to facilities that meet their educational needs,” Juma said.
Lualaje Ward Councillor Leckson Mwakasuluka said the ward was proud to have its first secondary school since independence, describing it as an important milestone in expanding access to education.
However, he noted that the school continued to face challenges, including inadequate teachers’ houses, a lack of a perimeter fence and a shortage of teaching staff.
“We recognise the challenges facing our school, including inadequate teachers’ houses, the lack of a fence and a shortage of teachers.
However, we will continue working with stakeholders and the government to find lasting solutions and ensure the school provides quality education,” he said.
During the ceremony, Kasaka also led a fundraising drive to support the construction of science laboratories, raising Sh35 million out of the Sh44 million target.
He appealed to residents, leaders and other stakeholders to contribute towards the school's infrastructure development, stressing that investment in education was essential to the future of children and the wider community.
“Education is the foundation of development for our children and society as a whole. I urge citizens, leaders and other stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to improve the school 's infrastructure,” Kasaka said.