Mbeya City to spend Sh8 billion on school renovations

Mbeya. The Mbeya City Council (MCC) has planned to spend over Sh8 billion on upgrading the infrastructure of at least 70 primary schools including old schools built as far back as 1953.

The move comes as the council’s revenue collection increased from Sh21.9 billion in the 2024/25 financial year to Sh22.3 billion targeted during the 2025/26 fiscal year, enabling more funds to be directed towards education and development projects.

Speaking to Mwananchi Digital on January 25, 2025, MCC Mayor Dourmohamed Issa highlighted that the Sh108 billion budget was approved by the Council of Councillors on January 23, 2025, during a special session focused on strategic development projects in education and health for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

“The council has had to prioritise renovating education infrastructure and old schools to ensure students learn in better environments compared to previous years,” said the mayor.

He added, “The improvements will also be extended to government English-medium schools, which have become a major attraction for parents seeking quality education.”

One of the notable projects includes the renovation of Ilomba Primary School, located in Isyesye Ward, which was allocated Sh150 million in the previous budget.

“That school was built in 1953. Many of its classrooms were constructed using mud bricks, forcing students to study in difficult conditions. But now, it has been transformed into a modern facility,” said Mayor Issa.

Other old schools that have been renovated include Isanga, Muungano, and Mapinduzi.

The aim is to ensure all 87 primary schools in Mbeya City are modernized and visually appealing.

On the provision of desks to secondary schools, the mayor said over 6,000 desks have been made for students joining Form One in 2025.

“We are committed to improving the education sector by addressing challenges such as classroom shortages, inadequate toilet facilities, teacher housing, and dormitories for female students,” he explained.

Iyunga Ward Councilor Ms Mwajuma Tindwa emphasised the importance of the budget in stimulating the city’s development.