Alliance Girls High School in Kikuyu Sub-county, Kiambu, is set to get a modern ICT center through a partnership between the school’s Board of Management and the M-PESA Foundation, as the institution seeks to scale accommodation of learners pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathways.

Kikuyu Ward MCA James Kamau said inadequate ICT facilities remained a challenge in the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), noting that technology was increasingly important in supporting learning under the new education system.

“Lack of adequate ICT facilities in our learning institutions remains a major setback in the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE),” Kamau said.

He said the majority of learners joining Grade 10 at Alliance Girls were pursuing STEM pathways, making access to appropriate ICT facilities an important component of their learning.

Kamau spoke on September 17, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the school, to discuss the proposed project, its expected impact, and measures required to ensure its successful implementation.

The meeting brought together NEMA-accredited consultants, members of the school’s Board of Management, representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Assistant County Commissioner for Kikuyu, and the Kikuyu Constituency Office Manager representing the area MP.

The MCA further mentioned that security around the school should also be enhanced alongside the development of modern learning facilities.

“As we invest in modern learning facilities, security around our schools must also remain a priority. The stretch from the junction to the school gate requires street lighting, and we shall pursue this intervention to enhance security for our students, staff, and the surrounding community,” he added.

The project builds on previous efforts to strengthen ICT access at Alliance Girls. The Kenya Education Network (KENET) in 2016 partnered with the school to provide internet connectivity, supporting online research, access to educational resources, and virtual lessons in subjects including science and mathematics.

Construction of the ICT lab complements the Kenya Secondary Education and Equity Quality Improvement Program (SEEQIP), which was rolled out in September 2025.

The allocation was designed to address disparities in access to STEM facilities, promote equity, and ensure compliance with the mandatory requirement for all senior schools to offer STEM subjects.

By Rose Muthoni and Grace Naishoo