By Mumo Judah and Joyce Kifalu, June 14, 2026
Mombasa Senator and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has commissioned a newly built modern science laboratory at Bedzimba Comprehensive School, underscoring what he described as the growing benefits of international partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s grassroots education infrastructure.
The commissioning, held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, brought together education stakeholders, local leaders, and development partners in an event that also featured a Chinese delegation-linked engagement, including the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship Award Ceremony. The occasion was framed around the expansion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) facilities under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum, which has increased demand for practical learning infrastructure across the country.
During his address, Hassan Omar Hassan placed strong emphasis on the strategic relationship between Kenya and China, describing it as a key driver of visible development gains at the community level, particularly in education and infrastructure development.
He noted that the cooperation between the two countries continues to yield tangible results, stating that “the stable friendship between Kenya and China continues to deliver tangible benefits” and supports what he termed “shared aspiration for inclusive development and sustainable prosperity.” He further described the relationship as a “strategic and mutually beneficial partnership” whose impact can already be seen in sectors such as education, technology, and infrastructure.
Hassan also expressed appreciation for continued external support in strengthening learning environments, particularly in junior secondary education. “We are grateful for China’s continued commitment to advancing development and community empowerment in Kenya,” he said, adding that such partnerships are helping to bridge critical infrastructure gaps in schools transitioning into the comprehensive education system.
The newly commissioned laboratory at Bedzimba Comprehensive School is expected to significantly improve the delivery of science subjects under the competency-based curriculum, which places strong emphasis on practical skills, experimentation, and innovation. For many schools in Kisauni and surrounding areas within Mombasa, inadequate laboratory facilities have long constrained effective teaching of science-related subjects, forcing learners to rely heavily on theoretical instruction.
Education stakeholders present at the event said the new facility represents a timely intervention as schools continue adapting to the demands of the junior secondary school system. They noted that access to functional laboratories is critical in preparing learners for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pathways, which are increasingly viewed as central to Kenya’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
The inclusion of the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship Award Ceremony alongside the commissioning further highlighted what officials described as strengthening grassroots ties between Kenya and China, particularly in education support initiatives. The engagement was presented as part of a broader pattern of cooperation aimed at enhancing skills development and improving learning outcomes in underserved communities.
Kisauni Constituency, a densely populated part of coastal Kenya, has in recent years seen increased focus on education infrastructure as part of wider efforts to improve equity in access to quality learning resources. The latest development at Bedzimba Comprehensive School is expected to serve as both a practical learning hub and a symbol of ongoing investments aimed at narrowing regional disparities in education outcomes.
