The Cooperative University of Kenya (CUK) in Karen, Nairobi, will benefit from government funding of Sh3.6 billion to construct various educational infrastructure within the Institution.
The University formerly known as Cooperative College of Kenya that provides education and training with emphasis on co-operative development, since its elevation to a University status, has been prompted to increase more learning facilities to enable the 9,000 students admitted at the Institution have adequate facilities.
The projects which will be undertaken in three phases will include two library storied blocks, a retreat centre, cultural centre (museum), gate house and a sports facility that will comprise a running track, soccer and netball pitches, ablution blocks, pavilion and a car park.
Briefing the County Development Implementation Coordination Committee (CDICC) during an inspection tour of the on-going government funded project at the Institution, the CUK Registrar-In-Charge of Finance, Planning and Administration, Mr. Chris Kathoka said the Institution is in dire need of the earmarked projects as the current blocks designed in the 1970s was to cater for a smaller number of students.
He said the completion of the two libraries will see at least 2,500 students use the facility unlike the present library which only accommodates 300 students.
“We are grateful to the government for funding the projects, we have already done the phase II designs whose concepts have been approved and we are only awaiting funding by the National Treasury,” added Kathoka.
The Registrar asked the Committee to address the challenge of the illegal structures erected near the institution and an illegal matatu terminus operating outside the University’s gate, saying the two were posing a danger to the University environment.
The Nairobi County Commissioner, Flora Mworoa and Chair of the CDICC team and the Secretary, Larry Mulomi, from the President’s Delivery Unit, expressed satisfaction of the on-going projects, saying that the modern facilities will make a big difference in the University.
She assured that the Institution and the Contractor of the project, Parklane Construction Limited, that the Committee will address the challenges delaying the projects to enable its completion at the stipulated period.
“We will escalate payments and cash flow of the project so that the Contractor can progress and complete on time for use,” Mworoa assured.
By Bernadette Khaduli
