This May 2025, we meet John N. Kimani, a Building and Construction Officer who has been involved with the project sponsored by Optiven at Makobeni Secondary School in Viriko area of Kilifi County. He towers from his stature among those witnessing the official handover of the modern laboratory, the first of it’s kind in Viriko and which is touted to be the game changer in education in the area.

For him, this has been a journey of close to two years not just of construction but learning, observing and finally being an agent of transformation. The Optiven Point took a moment to peek at his journey. Based on your engagement during the construction of the Makobeni Secondary School Laboratory, what would you say were some of your challenges?

The area is in a remote and under developed location where the community dynamics in terms of culture, work ethic, and general lifestyle paused a myriad obstacles. Accessing the site owing to the poor transport infrastructure and a lack of exposure for the workers meant more energy in making this a reality. Overally, the social economic status of the community and their world view caused unforeseen delays in delivery of the completed laboratory.

Seeing the duration it took to complete the project, were there any tangible lessons you learnt personally? Without restraining the community, the area is in dire need of continuous support from well wishers. A number of factors including cultural, environmental, and a lack of exposure on sustainable green living have contributed to the status quo. But all said and done, all help, from any stakeholder, will go a long way in transforming lives in Makobeni.

Any parting shot on your part?

Thinking of my experiences, I can conclude that both sunrise and sunset bring opportunities, one to dream, and the other to do. And indeed, a great parting shot for the champion of transformation, congratulations.

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