During the launch of the 2022-2026 SDSN-K Strategic Plan, Professor Miriam Were emphasised the need to involve the local community in the journey of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Leading by example, Dr. Patrick Maluki, the Co-Chair of the SDSN-K Chapter, initiated the Lenakakya Ivuuni Primary School in Kitui County. Driven by the “need to provide quality and affordable education to the community”, Dr. Maluki took up the challenge of establishing a primary school in the area. Challenges such as community hesitance on engagement, water shortages, lack of modern learning technology such as computers and electricity did not deter him from realising his vision.

With support from donors, Ivuuni Primary was registered as a public institution, drawing students from poor backgrounds. The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Policy Institute Prof. Peter Kagwanja, laid the foundation of the institution. Additional support came from Amb. Kiptiness, Hon. Osman, Hon. Kirwa, Hon. Rose Koraru, and other prolific leaders, all of whom contributed to the infrastructural development of the school in the form of additional classrooms and a new administration block. As a public institution, the school benefitted from the Teachers Service Commission employment of  6 new teachers.

Dr. Maluki additionally raised more funds to address immediate concerns such as the lack of electricity and security. He oversaw the installment of solar electricity, refurbishing of the school buildings and commissioned the building of a school gate and fence. Apart from offering jobs to the local community, Ivuuni Primary School opened up the community to neighbouring towns through the construction of the Kabati-Itangani Ivuuni Road that was commissioned by the Director of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority Dir. Victor Momanyi.

Despite the challenges the school may face, Dr. Maluki is determined to “eradicate poverty” through the achievement of the Fourth SDG – quality education. Continued support from the donors and the local community will continue the development of Ivuuni Primary School and help them achieve their future goals of a sports field and employing more teachers, and ultimately expand their reach to more students.