KABETE, NAIROBI, June 8, 2026 — Kabete Vet Lab Comprehensive School in Kitisuru Ward, Westlands Constituency, is set to benefit from the construction of two classrooms and four washrooms through a partnership between Humanitarian Experience (HXP), a United States-based humanitarian organization, and the local community.
The project was officially launched during a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 8, 2026, attended by Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, HXP volunteers from the United States, school management, parents, teachers, and learners.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Wanyonyi thanked the HXP team for investing in education and supporting the school’s growing infrastructure needs.
“Asante for your gift. When you invest in education, you are investing in the future of our children,” said the MP.
He commended the young volunteers for dedicating their time and resources to serve communities thousands of miles away from home.
“The people making this investment are so young, and that is very inspiring. I encourage you to enjoy your time in Kenya and explore different parts of our beautiful country,” he said.
The MP noted that when he first assumed office, the school had experienced little development despite serving a rapidly growing population. He revealed that enrolment has increased from approximately 600 learners to nearly 1,900 today, putting pressure on existing facilities.
To address the challenge, Wanyonyi announced that the Westlands NG-CDF will construct four additional classrooms during the current financial year to complement the HXP project.
“Last time we met, classrooms were your priority. We want learners here to feel like those in any other school. This financial year, we shall build four more classrooms,” he said.
He also pledged to explore the possibility of securing funds for a school bus before the end of his current term.
Beyond infrastructure, the MP called on parents to become more involved in their children’s upbringing, warning that many learners today lack adequate parental guidance.
“Parents should take an active role in their children’s lives and education. Schools should also strengthen guidance and counselling programmes. Our children are exposed to so much today, including social media, and they need support and direction,” he said.
Wanyonyi further encouraged schools to nurture talent alongside academics, noting that sports continue to create opportunities for young people across the world.
HXP Brings Youth Volunteers to Serve
HXP Kenya Coordinator Frida Wamaitha Kariuki said the organization was delighted to launch the project and highlighted the power of youth-led service.
“We are happy to be here for the groundbreaking of two classrooms and four washrooms. I have coordinated HXP projects in Kenya since 2019, and it is inspiring to see young people travel from the United States to serve communities they have never met,” she said.
She encouraged learners to embrace education and service, noting that she too had once been a student like them.
Her fellow coordinator, Irene Wangui, said the project is being implemented by a team of 23 student volunteers from the United States who will manually build the foundation before returning home.
According to Wangui, HXP has been operating in Kenya for the last seven years and focuses on expanding access to quality learning facilities.
“We assessed a number of schools and identified Kabete Vet Lab Comprehensive School because of its large student population and shortage of classrooms. The support from Hon. Tim Wanyonyi and the local community gives us confidence that the project will be completed successfully,” she said.
She added that the new classrooms will help expand the school’s capacity while improving learning conditions for hundreds of learners.
Volunteers Inspired by Kenyan Hospitality
HXP Trip Leader Jacob Ruggles said the initiative aims to expose young people to service, faith, and different cultures while supporting communities in need.
“I am excited to be here and meet all of you,” he told learners.
Ruggles explained that the team includes 19 youth volunteers aged between 16 and 18 years drawn from various states in the United States, including Utah, Colorado, and Arkansas.
“Our goal is to bring young people to Kenya to help build schools and learn about Jesus Christ through the people of Kenya. The interactions with Kenyans have had a profound impact on our volunteers because everyone has been so warm and welcoming,” he said.
He acknowledged that some volunteers experienced homesickness as it was their first time away from their families, but said the experience had broadened their perspectives and strengthened their faith.
“Through Christ we can be united in our faith. We hope these buildings will stand as a lasting reminder of service, love, and community,” he added.
Ruggles revealed that HXP currently has three projects running simultaneously in Kenya and that the initiative is funded entirely by the volunteers and their families.
School Welcomes Major Infrastructure Boost
Kabete Vet Lab Comprehensive School Headteacher Hilda Gatinku described the project as a significant milestone for the institution.
The school currently serves approximately 2,025 learners, including 120 in pre-primary, 1,140 in primary school, 765 in junior school, and 33 learners living with disabilities.
“One of our biggest challenges is the shortage of classrooms. These additional classrooms will help decongest our learning spaces and improve the overall learning environment,” she said.
Gatinku also highlighted sanitation as a major concern, noting that the school currently relies on a single ablution block serving the entire institution.
“The four washrooms being constructed will greatly improve sanitation and the welfare of our learners,” she said.
She praised the support received from the Westlands NG-CDF and Hon. Tim Wanyonyi over the years, citing the construction of junior school classrooms and other infrastructure projects.
“The school community is very happy. Hon. Tim Wanyonyi and the NG-CDF have done a commendable job. This project will make our school look wonderful and will be a major milestone in our growth,” she said.
The headteacher also appealed for support to renovate approximately 11 older classrooms that were left out during previous renovation works.
Construction is expected to begin immediately, with HXP volunteers working alongside local stakeholders to lay the foundation for facilities that will benefit generations of learners at the rapidly growing school.