In the closing chapter of his life, Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere, the father of the Tanzanian Nation, spoke to Hon. Mkono, who is one of the trustees of the "The Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation", about his desire to improve the quality of education in Tanzania, particularly in Musoma Rural (the Mara Region), where the education system is on the verge of collapse. Hon. Mkono, took the challenge to bring change. He began with the development of a secondary school at Butiama, in Musoma Rural, named after Mwalimu's late brother, Chief Edward Wanzagi. Mwalimu himself had requested the Government to allocate an area for the school prior to his death and the Government had willingly allocated a piece of land formely used by the Cubans as an Artificial Insemination Centre, the BAIC. Upon Mwalimu's death in 1999, Hon. Mkono saw the need to pursue the development activities in education for the well being of the people and subsequently stood for a parliamentary seat in the district. He was elected as a member of parliament during the 2000 general elections. He has since continued, with the help of the villagers, to build good quality schools, such as Busegwe, Buturu and Kasoma, in the district.

A central feature of the vision of Mwalimu Nyerere which Hon. Mkono shares is the improvement of life in the rural villages of Tanzania with education as a basic human right.

Schools in Musoma Rural are a typical example of a short term vision whereby, apart from cheap material being used for the construction, there is no planning ahead and subsequently no follow up or monitoring after completion of the project.

With Hon Mkono's initiatives, a collaborative effort is used whereby parental and overall community involvement and participation is encouraged, whether it be in building the schools, digging a water pipeline or placing a windmill. The community provides labour and owns the project. Whenever possible, local building material are used so as to reduce the cost as well as empower the community. The building plans are made by renown architects and the building site is under the supervision of a building engineer.  

High quality standards are achieved through local labour ; " people-centred self reliant development ", The Philosophy of the Father of the Nation.   

The modern school projects proposed here, are built with a vision of globalised village schools: good teachers, pleasant classrooms/dormitories, running water, electricity and facilities for play and sport.

left : Hon. N.E. Mkono, MP, outside Parliament building in Dodoma, in te a te with 
  Hon. Joseph Mungai, Minister of Education, concerning schools in Musoma Rural. 

right : A courtesy call for the opening of Mkono & Co. Advocates' new offices. His Excellency, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa, congratulates Hon. Nimrod E. Mkono, Member of Parliament, for work well done and a the very impressive office.