Chuka University has launched a Sh27 million complex among other projects to mark its 10th year anniversary since the institution was chartered.
Some of the projects that were inaugurated will serve the Ndagani community and address some of the challenges faced by the residents.
Most of the projects kicked off under the leadership of the former and first Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Erastus Njoka who served for a period of two terms before his resignation.
The new complex will host different departments including those outside the university such as the chief’s camp and police post.
Speaking during the celebrations, the former VC said that the complex was funded by the University Corporate Social Responsibility Fund and the national government at a total cost of Sh27 million.
“In partnership with the university council, we generated ideas and started the projects,” Prof Njoka said.
The professor revealed that the complex will host a chief’s and assistant chief’s camp which will serve residents within the community and beyond. It will also have an elders’ hall to be used by the elderly in society adding that it can accommodate a capacity of 300 elders.
A Karingani Police Post to be used by the administration police and the prisons department will also be hosted and will provide adequate security to students and the surrounding area.
There will also be a milk coolant which will be used for preserving and selling milk in order to generate income for the community. The complex will also host the Ndagani KK Mwendwa water project offices for easier access of the officials to the public.
Njoka disclosed that plans are underway to connect internet and have proper maintenance systems for the facility. He noted that the university has recorded an increase in the number of students to about 20,000.
Some of the facilities that the university has managed to launch within the 10-year period include the Sh1.2 billion student hostel, a science park worth Sh3 billion, Sh1.6 billion administration block, food and science technology laboratories as well as classes worth Sh300 billion.
Tarmacking roads around the institution was another milestone by the University to ease access to the university and improve security. Njoka acknowledged that the university accommodates people from all over the country adding it has also created employment for the members of the community.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dorcas K Isutsa and the university council chairman Dr, Henry Rotich were in attendance.
By Beatrice Mwende
