President William Ruto took a moment Monday during the laying of the foundation stone at Kamagut Primary School where he began his education to praise his former teachers.
While pointing out some of those present during the event, Ruto at one point caused laughter when he named one teacher he said caned him a lot.
This, even as he expressed heartfelt gratitude to them for shaping his character and that of other pupils he schooled with.
“Nataka kwa nafasi ambayo nimepata niwashukuru sana walimu wetu ambao walitufundisha hapa. Nimekutana na wengi. Nimekutana na mwalimu wetu mkuu bwana Ndirangu, nimekutana na akina Seurey, mwalimu Biwott and Ouma,” he added.
“Kwanza wewe Ouma ulituumiza sana, ulituchapa hapa asana, huyo mwalimu huyo…,” Ruto said amidst cheers from the crowd.
The school is set for a major facelift at a cost of Sh190 million by the government and the Safaricom Mpesa Foundation.
The head of state stated that nine junior secondary school classrooms and 12 other secondary classrooms will be put up at the institution.
Ruto toured the school accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang and MPesa Foundation trustee Michael Joseph among other leaders.
Ruto also used the opportunity to give his pledge to invest more resources into education emphasising the critical role of teachers in unlocking the potential of every student.
He said his administration would ensure that teachers are well-equipped with the tools, training, and support they need to continue shaping generations of future leaders.
During the event, Ruto also announced a donation of Sh5 million to Ainab Ng’etik school which started as the Eldoret North MP, Sh5 million to Sambut school and Sh1.5 million plus another Sh5 million for Kamoret all across the county.