Egerton University to complete stalled projects

By Beatrice Obwocha and Joel Okwayo

The Government paid Sh732 million to several companies after their contracts to develop Egerton University were terminated ten years ago.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor Prof James Tuitoek said they had to terminate the eight contracts initiated between 1988 and 1991.

He said there are seven stalled projects at Njoro campus and another at Laikipia campus.

He, however, said they have completed four projects and the others are ongoing.

Prof Tuitoek said the stalled projects were an administration building, a students’ hostel, a chemistry block and Agronomy Complex.

He said once the projects are completed, the university could absorb some 2,000 more students.

Currently, the university has 10,424 students and Tuitoek said they need Sh2 billion to complete the stalled projects.

The VC spoke after leading Public Works PS John Lonyangapuo on a tour of the institution yesterday.

Prof Lonyangapuo expressed disappointment over the stalled projects and said it was sad money had to be paid to contractors whose contracts were terminated.

"I urge the Ministry of Higher Education to help revive these projects," he said.

Meanwhile, an accommodation crisis has hit Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega.

This follows an increased student intake by about 30 per cent.

The students rose from 8,000 to more than 10,000. On Thursday, the management said the number is set to rise to 12,000 by the end of this month.

"We are still processing some applications, especially for those who delivered their acceptance forms after receiving their admission letters," said Vice-Chancellor Baraza Wangila

Prof Wangila said the rise has been caused by the introduction of new courses, which are attractive to students.

"We introduced new courses such as Bachelor of Health in Nursing and that of Sports Science, which are attractive to learners," he said.

Wangila spoke after addressing first year students at the main campus in Kakamega. The university’s deputy Vice-Chancellor in of charge Administration and Finance Sibilike Makhanu said they were sourcing for external housing units to accommodate the students.

He said they plan to construct more tuition blocks to handle more students.