By Robert Mutasi 
Safaricom has allocated Sh51 million for the construction of modern infrastructure at the Eldoret Special School in Uasin Gishu County, in a move aimed at improving learning conditions for learners with special needs.
The initiative was officially launched during a groundbreaking ceremony held at the school on Saturday, September 5, 2026, presided over by Safaricom Chief People Officer Florence Nyokabi.
Addressing the press during the ceremony, Nyokabi said the investment is part of the company’s long-standing partnership with the people of Uasin Gishu and its broader commitment to transforming children’s lives through education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
She said the project will include the construction of two dormitories, three vocational classrooms and a borehole fitted with solar-powered water pumping and heating facilities.
“I want to emphasise our point that some areas we target in this school comprise two dormitories, three vocational classrooms, and a borehole fitted with solar-powered water, which we expect would help in heating facilities if things go well,” said Nyokabi.
“Nothing is impossible in God’s will; we believe the physical infrastructure would change their lives once and for all. What we are after is to lift their capabilities to thrive and have equal opportunities to succeed not only in Kenya but also across the world,” she added.
Nyokabi noted that Safaricom has already supported 106 projects across Uasin Gishu County, investing over Sh600 million, with education taking the largest share of the funding. She said the latest project fulfils a commitment made by Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa during a recent visit to the school, where he pledged to strengthen the company’s partnership with the institution.
She added that beyond Eldoret Special School, the company has been supporting vocational training schools across the country by providing equipment, including hairdressing tools, to enable learners to practice the skills they acquire in class.
According to Nyokabi, construction of the new facilities will take 45 weeks, with completion and official opening scheduled for June 2027.
The school’s Head of Institution, Dina Chebaskony, welcomed the investment, saying the new facilities will provide learners with a safer, more conducive learning and living environment while equipping them with practical skills for self-reliance.
She said the two dormitories will provide secure and comfortable accommodation for learners, while the three vocational classrooms will expand opportunities for skill acquisition.
“Although some learners faced difficulties in reading and writing, with the materials provided today, I hope, God willing, they will now be capable of acquiring various practical skills and contributing meaningfully to society. This is a very commendable achievement,” Chebaskony said.
Chebaskony praised Safaricom for recognizing the potential of learners with special needs and urged other corporates and well-wishers to emulate the company’s efforts in supporting persons living with disabilities.
The Eldoret Special School project is expected to significantly improve access to quality education and vocational training for children with special needs in the North Rift region, many of whom face challenges accessing adequate facilities.