SHUJAA TIM WANYONYI

Epic stories have been told of people who give the word SHUJAA meaning especially within the concept of our new constitutional dispensation.  Often times, the question would linger, really, who’s a Shujaa?
In January, I found ourselves in a situation in which we needed God to send us a Shujaa.

That's how I met Hon Tim Wanyonyi. I worked very hard not to tear in his office out of frustration, though,  having heard him speak & give out bursaries from his own fund,  had given me confidence enough at least to share my vision for Cheleta Primary  School.

This I did, as he keenly listened to me.  "Madam, go and do your part, will help you.” This statement banished the cloud of hopelessness that would engulf me every morning as I prepared to go to a school in Runda Westlands whose facilities were an eyesore.

Now, Mhesh, Daddy, Papa as children in the entire Westlands Constituency fondly refer to him is a leader to watch.  He's one leader who's focused on a very clear cut route to fight ignorance, disease & poverty.

Cognizance of the fact that Education is the greatest change agent, he has extensively invested in education. In my ignorant opinion, the lion's share of National Government CDF money goes to improve the physical infrastructure of schools in Westlands.  The 25 or so schools have been refurbished, Cheleta being one of them.

In all these schools, we have fully equipped functional computer labs.  In fact, the last one was opened yesterday at Karura Primary School.

WHY IS HE MY SHUJAA TODAY?

Mheshimiwa Tim's take is interesting. In the schools I’ve attended functions, you’d wonder whether he's a politician or whether he's aware that elected leaders have gone full throttle with campaign gear.  He never talks politics in schools.  He’ll not even extol his achievements to the parents who obviously are a serious voting bloc.  He'll always talk education, empowerment of women & youth so that they in turn can support the education of their children.

In the metropolis that Nairobi is, stories are told of areas where you'd need to speak your Mhesh's Greek or not gain access to him.  Not so with this leader.  He has made managing educational institutes easy by embracing all, so long as one does not shortchange the learners.  He won't turn parents against heads of institutions. He is one leader who's using education especially in public primary & secondary schools to bring changes in all the slum areas in Westlands;  Githogoro,  Huruma ,Kangemi,  Deep Sea,  Kibagare.

So today, I want to celebrate this Shujaa as I challenge me and us Kenyans to desire to do our small thing to transform lives.  To use every opportunity to serve, to reach out to friends & well-wishers to partner with in our quest to making Kenya better by ensuring that the next generation will smile when our names are mentioned.

During the last event that Mheshimiwa Tim graced at Cheleta, the school president tickled us as she openly dared parents that when they're of age, they’ll decide which position to give him.  We laughed, of course but wait!  What exactly did she mean?  What age will the learners be in say ten years’ time?  What impact has for example a Cheleta child who'd previously learn in classes with no window panes, pot holes floors, and unpainted leaking roofs classes felt with the refurbishment?  This child goes to high school & the same scenario is replicated?  This is the leader that that generation will determine for him which elective office to go for.  I say this because the evidence is documented in Faith Wanjûgû’s speech, lest I'm accused of playing politics online.

Mheshimiwa, the Bible encourages us to think & support the less fortunate, I know God records your good works.  He’s a rewarder, you’ll be rewarded.

It's not a big thing but today, I celebrate you.  You're my Shujaa.

I did not belabor to talk about Cheleta because pictures speak a thousand words.

MARY KIMANI
CHELETA PRIMARY HEADTEACHER