By SHABAN MAKOKHA
July 13, 2026| For years, Ichinga Secondary School stood as a symbol of neglected potential in Mumias West.With only one classroom block, a handful of teachers and just 71 students, the institution struggled to convince parents it could offer their children a viable path to a brighter future.
On Monday, hundreds of parents, learners and residents gathered to witness the commissioning of a 52-seater school bus—a milestone many described as evidence of how sustained investment can transform a rural school.
The ceremony also provided Mumias West MP Johnson Naicca with an opportunity to unveil an ambitious six-year development blueprint that will guide projects across the constituency until 2032.
Standing before students and residents waving the national flag and singing victory songs, Naicca pledged to deepen investment in education, expand electricity connectivity, strengthen security and ensure every corner of Mumias West benefits from development.
“I have a six-year programme up to 2032,” Naicca stated. “My commitment is to ensure that no part of Mumias West is left behind. Development must reach every village, every school and every family.”
The legislator announced plans to expand Ichinga Primary School by purchasing additional land and constructing more classrooms to accommodate increasing learner numbers.
He also revealed plans to establish Bumanyi Secondary School, urging residents to identify suitable land so construction can commence.
“We shall build Bumanyi Secondary School, but development is a partnership. The community must identify land so that together we can make this dream a reality,” he said
.Naicca further announced continued rural electrification projects across Ichinga and neighbouring villages, adding that his office would procure additional school buses for Mumias Complex Comprehensive School and Bumia Secondary School as part of efforts to improve access to quality education.
Defending his support for the Finance Bill, the MP argued that development cannot be achieved without adequate public resources.
“I voted for the Finance Bill because that is where funds for bursaries, roads, electricity projects and stipends for village elders come from. Development requires resources,” he explained.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying political differences should never stand in the way of service delivery.
“I am in government because that is where Baba took me and left me. I will not waver. I will continue working with the government of the day and with every elected leader because development is what our people deserve.”
Naicca also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting divisive politics, while urging leaders across Mumias West to embrace peaceful competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Leadership is earned through unity, not division. Kenya deserves leaders who build bridges, not barriers. Leaders who inspire hope, accountability and inclusion,” Naicca stated.
He added: “We have agreed that campaigns must remain peaceful. Politics should never leave our people nursing injuries or mourning the loss of loved ones. Elections should unite us through ideas, not divide us through violence.”
The legislator further challenged security agencies to intensify operations against cattle thieves, saying livestock theft continues to rob many families in Mumias West, Matungu and Butere of their livelihoods.
The most emotional moment of the ceremony came when Ichinga Secondary School Principal Kassim Murenga reflected on the institution’s remarkable transformation.
Murenga recalled arriving at a school with only one classroom block and an enrolment of just 71 students.Today, he said, that story has changed dramatically: “In the eleven years since this school was established, Mr Naicca has stood with us every step of the way. By 2016, we had only one classroom built by the county government.”
He narrated how, after appealing to the MP in 2017, Naicca funded another classroom before linking the school to well-wishers, some of whom mobilised Sh1 million for an additional classroom.
The following year, Naicca financed two more classrooms, enabling the school to introduce a second stream.
As enrolment continued to rise, he returned and funded three more classrooms to support a third stream.
“If it were not for Hon. Naicca, I honestly do not know where this school would be today,” Murenga said. “Every classroom standing here tells a story of hope.”
School President Pauline Busolo said students had witnessed promises made during the 2022 election campaign steadily become reality.
“The promises we heard in 2022 are now visible before our eyes. This school bus is not just a vehicle—it is proof that dreams can be fulfilled,” she said.
The new bus is expected to support co-curricular activities by transporting students to sports, music, drama, academic competitions and educational trips.
It will further provide emergency transport during medical emergencies and boost the school’s image as a well-equipped institution that prioritises student welfare.
Even as celebrations filled the school compound, Mumias West Deputy County Commissioner Twalib Abdi sounded a warning over rising cases of drug and alcohol abuse among young people.
He noted that enrolment figures in some schools were not matching actual attendance, blaming the worrying trend partly on substance abuse.
“The menace of drugs and illicit alcohol must come to an end. We cannot allow criminals to steal the future of our children,” he said.
Abdi also disclosed that Mumias West currently has no police patrol vehicle, forcing officers to respond to emergencies on foot and limiting their ability to combat crime effectively in remote areas.
“Our officers sometimes walk long distances to respond to incidents. This affects the speed and effectiveness of security operations,” he said.
Matungu Sub-County Police Commander Jane Pascaline appealed to residents to support security agencies by maintaining peace and reporting criminal activities.
She reminded residents that while some minor offences could be resolved through lawful reconciliation, serious crimes would be dealt with firmly.
“Let us maintain peace, reject crime and work together to build a safer Mumias West. When communities are peaceful, leaders can concentrate on delivering development instead of responding to insecurity,” she said.
As the newly commissioned bus rolled slowly out of the school compound amid cheers from students and parents, it carried more than passengers.
For many in Ichinga Secondary School, it carried years of sacrifice, the fulfilment of long-held promises and a renewed belief that even a small rural school can rise to become a beacon of opportunity when a community and its leaders choose to invest in education.