KDF upgrades Laikipia schools with new classrooms, kitchens and toilets

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru cuts a ribbon to officially open a newly constructed classroom during a tour of schools in Laikipia West./HANDOUT

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is accelerating the construction and renovation of classrooms and other school facilities in Laikipia County under a government initiative aimed at improving learning environments in public institutions.

The Ministry of Defence is implementing the projects under a directive by President William Ruto that seeks to address infrastructure gaps in schools and provide children with better facilities for learning.

The initiative also targets communities that have experienced insecurity and faced challenges accessing essential services.

During a work visit to Laikipia West last week, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru inspected projects at four comprehensive schools benefiting from the programme.

At Lembus Comprehensive School, six new classrooms were constructed within three months, expanding the institution’s learning facilities.

At Karandi Comprehensive School, the intervention involved renovating 12 classrooms, constructing an additional classroom and building a kitchen.

The programme has also delivered new facilities at Gituamba Comprehensive School, where four classrooms, an administration block and pit latrines have been completed.

At Uaso Narok Comprehensive School, seven new classrooms were constructed alongside a kitchen and pit latrines. The project also included the renovation of two existing classrooms.

The improvements cover key areas of school infrastructure, including learning spaces, sanitation and other facilities needed to support the day-to-day running of the institutions.

Mariru was accompanied during the inspection by Laikipia West MP Stephen Wachira and Laikipia County Woman Representative Jane Wangechi Kagiri.

The four schools are among several institutions benefiting from the President’s directive, with the programme extending to other parts of Laikipia County.

On September 25, 2026, Mariru visited additional schools receiving support under the initiative. They included Lariak Comprehensive School, Tandare Comprehensive School, Chereta Primary School, Rumuruti DEB and Ol Ngarua.

The programme builds on earlier KDF-led interventions in Laikipia North and neighbouring communities, where school rehabilitation efforts have been undertaken in areas affected by insecurity.

These projects form part of a broader government approach that uses the technical capacity of the military to support public infrastructure development beyond its core defence responsibilities.

In communities that have experienced insecurity, the rehabilitation of essential public facilities is also linked to efforts to strengthen community resilience and support sustainable peace.

The Ministry of Defence said it continues to support the Government’s development priorities through the delivery of public infrastructure.

Through the construction and renovation of classrooms, sanitation facilities and other essential amenities, the ministry and KDF are helping public schools improve their learning environments.

The initiative is intended to support schools in providing more conducive spaces for learning while contributing to the future of children in the affected communities.

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru speaking to residents after inspecting school infrastructure projects during a tour of Laikipia West./HANDOUT

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru during inspecting school infrastructure projects during a tour of Laikipia West./HANDOUT

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru speaking to residents after inspecting school infrastructure projects during a tour of Laikipia West./HANDOUT