MRM and Marubeni Transform Learning Environment for More Than 4,000 Learners at Ngwata Primary School
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
MLOLONGO, MACHAKOS COUNTY — September 25, 2026 — Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), through its foundation arm, the Safal MRM Foundation, has partnered with Marubeni Corporation to improve the learning environment at Ngwata Primary School in Mlolongo, Machakos County.
The partnership has delivered two new classrooms and desks for 150 learners, through an investment of USD 40,000 (approximately KSh4 million), including furniture. The intervention is expected to provide much-needed relief to the school, which serves more than 4,000 learners.
The new classrooms were constructed using MRM’s SAFBUILD® pre-engineered steel building technology, providing durable and purpose-built learning spaces while addressing critical infrastructure challenges at the school.
The project comes amid severe overcrowding at Ngwata Primary School, with some classes accommodating more than 250 learners.
The classrooms were officially handed over during a ceremony attended by Japanese Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Hiroshi Matsuura, marking a partnership bringing together international support, Kenyan industrial expertise and community development needs.
Speaking during the handover, MRM CEO Albert Sigei said the project demonstrates the role of partnerships and innovation in addressing community needs.
“At MRM, we believe that our success is interlinked with the success of the communities we serve,” Sigei said, noting that the initiative goes beyond constructing classrooms to creating an environment where children can learn, grow and build a brighter future.
Sigei also highlighted the application of SAFBUILD® technology, describing it as a faster and more efficient alternative to conventional construction methods. According to MRM, the technology helped reduce construction time while delivering a high-quality facility.
Japanese Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Hiroshi Matsuura, the chief guest, described the project as an example of collaboration between private-sector and international partners to deliver social impact.
“This project is a shining example of how private sector and international partners can collaborate to deliver social impact,” the Ambassador said.
Ngwata Primary School Headteacher Faith Maeke welcomed the intervention, saying the new classrooms would help ease overcrowding and provide learners with a safer and more conducive environment.
The Ngwata Primary School project forms part of the broader community development work of the Safal MRM Foundation, whose programmes are centred on four key pillars: Education, Health, Shelter and Environment.
While education is central to the Ngwata intervention, the Foundation’s wider programmes seek to improve community wellbeing, support access to dignified shelter, promote healthier communities and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The project is particularly significant for Ngwata Primary School, which serves a predominantly vulnerable community, including families of casual labourers from surrounding informal settlements who face various socio-economic challenges.
Through the partnership, MRM and Marubeni have sought to demonstrate how private-sector investment, international cooperation and innovative construction solutions can respond to pressing community infrastructure needs.
