High-pitched voices echo through the arid landscape, reciting “a, e, i, o, u…” in unison. It’s mid-morning at Paka Hills, Tiaty. The sun is unforgiving, yet the rhythm of early learning breathes life into this sunbaked geological wonder.
We stumble upon Chepungus Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) during an unplanned detour, originally set out to trace GDC’s water supply projects in this semi-arid region.
It’s Emily Torotok, the volunteer teacher, who greets us.“It’s just an ECDC. No, not yet a primary school. I’m just a volunteer…” she says with a warm smile as her pupils look on curiously. Ms. Torotok, clad in a black skirt and mustard blouse, is quietly optimistic.“One day, this school—just two classrooms now—will grow into a real centre of learning for the children of Paka.”
Fast forward to February 2025. The school isn’t quite big yet, but something significant is underway.
On this scorching day, there are no recitals of vowels—but the compound is abuzz. Traditional dancers leap rhythmically, draped in colorful regalia. Banners and flags flap joyfully in the breeze. Corporate teardrops mark the moment.
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has officially adopted a school located some six hours from Nairobi. It is now “Chepungus Model School”. And the occasion is no mere ceremonial fanfare. GDC, together with strategic partners, has announced a total commitment of Sh14 million towards its development.
A commemorative plaque is unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi. For the local community, this is not just a plaque—it is a powerful symbol of a brighter future.
“As we tap into the immense potential of geothermal energy in this region, we recognise that our work must go beyond energy production. We must also invest in the people,” the CS declares.
GDC’s decision to adopt the school stemmed from consultations with the local community. Several partners have since come on board: Cooperative Bank of Kenya and Sosian Energy have each donated KES 2 million; the Tiaty Constituency Development Fund has contributed KES 5 million; and KenGen has pledged KES 1 million.
“This is an incredible starting point. The funds will give the school a proper head start,” noted Hon.William Kamket, MP for Tiaty.
Ms. Torotok, now no longer teaching, has returned to witness what she once only imagined.“I want my children to attend this school,” she says, visibly moved.
The new facility will be more than a school. Plans include a boarding section, science and computer labs, a music studio, a library, and infrastructure for sports. In a region where children often walk long distances to access education—if at all—such amenities could be life-changing.
“This is the beginning of something transformative,” says Eng. Martha Mburu (inset), Acting General Manager, Business Development at GDC, under whose docket community affairs falls. She notes the project will be implemented in phases over a 10-year period.“I’m optimistic that, once completed, this will be a centre of learning excellence for the region.”
As we prepare to leave, we meet Mr. Jacob Ngoletiang, Chairman of the Paka Community Land Management Committee (CLMC). Clutching a bundle of dummy cheques and beaming with pride, he says: “The school will change life here at Paka tremendously. We already have Sh14 million. This is a miracle. The children will finally get quality education.”
Indeed, with GDC’s support and the community’s resolve, the simple vowels once echoed by hopeful young voices will soon become full alphabets of opportunity— spelling out a brighter, transformed future.
