By Angatia Leonard 
The Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Shinoyi, Shikomari, and Esumeyia in Kakamega County, Hon. Bonface Akosi, has been instrumental in implementing a series of impactful development programs across the ward. His leadership has prioritized education, particularly in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), under the county’s devolved system.
Under his tenure, several ECDE centers have been established and strengthened, including those in Mwikoli, Shiyenga, Bushibo, Shivembe, and Shirakalu. Shirakalu, a community-based school, has attracted a significant number of children from the surrounding areas due to its improved facilities and learning environment.
Hon. Akosi’s blueprint for education emphasizes hiring sufficient ECDE teachers and ensuring that learning materials are readily available across the three locations. This strategic investment has laid a strong foundation for early childhood education, fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development among young learners.
Beyond infrastructure, the MCA has been a staunch advocate for equitable resource distribution within the ward. He has actively engaged with the county assembly to ensure that ECDE teachers are well-trained, receive timely salaries, and work in a conducive environment that supports effective learning.
Expanding Access to Higher Learning
Before Hon. Akosi’s leadership, the ward had been marginalized in terms of education infrastructure. However, since assuming office in 2017, he has secured land for the construction of the first county polytechnic in the ward. Plans are underway to continue its development in the current financial year, providing local youth with vocational training opportunities aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The polytechnic will offer courses in arts, crafts, and technical skills, equipping students with practical knowledge for self-reliance and employment.
“I always prioritize bursary allocations for our students, even though the Ksh 3 million currently allocated is not sufficient,” Hon. Akosi remarked, acknowledging the vital role of education in uplifting rural communities and alleviating financial burdens on peasant farmers.
Infrastructure and Digital Transformation
Hon. Akosi’s dedication to education goes beyond classrooms. He has donated desks to all ECDE classes and several primary schools across the ward. Additionally, he has constructed modern sanitation facilities, including three-door latrines at Bumamu Primary, with Burenga Primary next in line. His efforts in promoting digital literacy are evident in his donation of computers to Shinoyi Secondary School, with plans to extend this initiative to other schools both within and beyond the ward. This aligns with the CBC curriculum’s emphasis on ICT integration.
To further support education, the MCA has spearheaded road improvements, ensuring students and teachers can access schools with ease. He has also partnered with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to facilitate last-mile electricity connections to all schools in his jurisdiction. Additionally, fiber optic internet installation is underway to provide Wi-Fi access, enhancing digital learning in readiness for CBC implementation.
A Vision for Navakholo Constituency
As a second-term MCA, Hon. Akosi has demonstrated unwavering commitment to development and community empowerment. His track record has earned him widespread support, with many residents encouraging him to vie for the Navakholo Constituency parliamentary seat in 2027. The electorate believes in his vision for change, and they wish him good health and success in his future endeavors, recognizing that progress is inevitable.
Dennis Weche
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