Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) has acknowledged the tremendous growth of Chuka University over the past years with several ongoing projects supported by the national government nearing completion.
The public institution which was established as a constituent College of Egerton University and the successor of the former Egerton University Eastern Campus College has managed to initiate construction of multi-billion modern facilities that will ensure high quality and affordable university education to the people living in the Eastern Region.
A proposed science and technology research park is one of the ongoing projects that will stimulate sharing of knowledge, promotion of innovation and research outcomes progressed to viable commercial products.
Once completed, the science park will consist of research and development hubs, startup centers, incubation hubs, exhibition halls, offices, mini-industrial areas, business and training centers.
There will be a food science and technology complex where students will be able to produce agricultural products such as juices, yoghurt which will boost the county’s economy.
First Phase of construction of an ultra-modern 16 storey male students’ hostel has already been completed in a collaboration with the national government and second phase has kicked off. Within the university lies 500 acres Kairini Farm that has a dispensary, livestock keeping and agronomic farming activities. There are also several upcoming projects such as the multi-billion modern hospital and wildlife conservancy.
Speaking during a tour at the University in Tharaka Nithi County ahead of the presidential development tour in Mt. Kenya region, Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) Director Patrick Ngatia said that they are inspecting projects that cost the government over Sh50 million in the region to ensure that they are successful.
While noting that Chuka University was one of the key projects in the region, he said that they are satisfied with the success of the ongoing constructions and that the money has been well utilized.
“As a PDU team we are very pleased with the progress at Chuka University. The infrastructure here is ultra-modern and we are convinced the money has been put to good use. We hope the president will commission the projects,” said the Director.
Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner, Ms Beverly Opwora commended the installation of floodlights by the institution noting it has boosted security around the community.
The CC said that as County Development Implementation Coordination Committee (CDICC) they are pleased with the ongoing projects at Chuka University assuring they will offer their support as national government to ensure the projects are completed in the anticipated time.
“We are very pleased with the progress here as you can see this is a one stop shop. We have Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools as well as a university that offers up to PhD levels,” added the CC.
Chuka University Vice Chancellor Professor Erastus Njoka said that they are delighted as an institution of the government’s willingness to know the status of the university.
He added that as a result of PDU they have been able to initiate the construction of modern facilities including the road that connects to the university all the way to Meru.
He requested for the Tharaka University College, a constituent of Chuka University to be elevated to an independent Institution.
By Sharon Gitau
