The long-awaited construction of Koitalel Samoei University in Nandi Hills Sub County, Nandi County has finally resumed after the site was handed over to a new contractor.
The stalled project which received Sh. 250 million in its first phase has been allocated Sh900million for the second phase that will be done by a new contractor from China.
This development brings a sigh of relief for the community that has endured years of uncertainty and frustrations as the project remained stalled.
The handover ceremony which was marked by optimism and renewed hope saw the new contractor Ying Du from Oriole Home Limited and the principal Koitalel Samoei University Professor Winston Akala sign the contract paving way for the construction to commence soon.
Prof. Akala revealed that the university’s area of specialization will be sports science, adding that this will go a long way in nurturing the young talents in the region.
He also lauded the community’s initiative of advocating for the institution, which was named after the Nandi legend, noting that this shows the respect they have for their leader, who was slain by the colonialist.
“Nandi being the source of Champions, the institution’s area of specialization will be sports science,” said Prof. Akala.
Koitalel Samoei University Council Chairman, Professor Risley Kavu, expressed his satisfaction with the progress so far, noting that the University Council had decided the main campus would be at Nandi Hills Sub County while the current Mosoriot Campus would be a branch.
“We have reached a point where the project is moving forward. After receiving the go-ahead, we conducted a procurement process through a committee. The process was smooth, open, and transparent, with no leaks,” divulged Kavu.
Nandi East Deputy County Commissioner Ngalia Ndaya said that as government, they are committed to offering necessary support to the project to ensure no hiccups hinder the construction process.
He assured the university management, residents, and the contractor that there will be security measures in place to ensure that the construction area is protected from any intruders with ill motives.
Ndaya warned those who intend to engage in such activities that they will not be spared by the security apparatus.
He also warned the area leaders from interfering with the project, adding, “Today marks a historical day for the Nandi East sub-county residents. I want to assure you that we will provide the necessary security to ensure the project progresses smoothly to its completion. As a government, we are not going to entertain any politics in the construction of Koitalel Samoei University’s main campus.”
The community steering committee chair, Edwin Tallam, lauded the government for allocating funds for the university, noting that once operational, it will have a positive impact on the community as it will open numerous opportunities ranging from academics to businesses.
“As the community, we are the greatest beneficiaries once this University is operational. It will open up various opportunities to the residents, among them businesses, and ease access to higher education. This is the reason we have always been advocating for this institution in our area. We thank the government of Dr. William Samoei Ruto for approving this project as well as allocating funds for the construction,” explained Tallam.
The new contractor, Ying Du from Oriole Home Limited, expressed her commitment to completing the project within a reasonable timeframe, observing that the company had already begun mobilizing resources.
In a gesture of goodwill, Du also pledged to offer education scholarships to 16 needy students in day secondary schools within Nandi Hills Sub County this year.
“I am so honored to be here. I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I know that I will deliver this project more than expected,” revealed Du.
By Ruth Mainye and Carren Chepkurui
