The University of Kabianga (UoK) has appealed for more funding to complete critical infrastructure projects that have been delayed due to budgetary constraints.
The appeal was made during the National Government Development-County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CIMC) meeting held at the County Commissioner’s Boardroom in Kericho which was chaired by County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo and attended by various stakeholders overseeing national government projects in the county.
Speaking during the meeting, University of Kabianga’s quantity surveyor, Mr. Geoffrey Tanui, provided a detailed update on the progress and challenges affecting the university’s Main Library and Lecture Theatre Phase V projects.
He said that while construction had commenced on both projects, insufficient funding had slowed down implementation, delaying their expected completion dates.
Mr. Tanui reported that the University Main Library project, which was initially expected to be completed in June 2020, has now been rescheduled to July 2024. Currently, the project stands at 55% completion, with significant pending works such as structured cabling, CCTV installation, and flooring still requiring funding.
The project, executed by M/s Vaghiyani Enterprises Ltd under the State Department of Public Works, has so far received Sh415.7 million out of its total contract sum of Sh834.5 million.
He further explained that the Lecture Theatre Phase V project had only reached 12% completion though had been scheduled to be completed by September 2026.
Tanui said the project, awarded to M/s Round Up Kenya Ltd, has received only Sh13.8 out of its total contract sum of Sh345.2 million regretting that due to the limited funds, major structural works have not been completed, leading to a temporary suspension of construction.
He said the suspension of the lecture theatre project will remain in effect until at least September 2025, unless additional resources are made available sooner. He expressed concern that continued delays would not only escalate project costs but also disrupt the university’s long-term expansion plans, adversely affecting students.
To safeguard project sites during the suspension period, the University of Kabianga has enhanced security measures to prevent vandalism and loss of building materials. Mr.
Tanui assured stakeholders that the institution’s security department has been deployed to protect construction sites, ensuring that when work resumes, progress can continue without additional losses.
“We urge the government and relevant agencies to prioritise funding for these essential projects. The completion of the library and lecture theatre will be of great impact in the learning experience at our university and provide students with much-needed academic resources.” Tanui said
He further emphasised the urgent need for additional financial allocations, warning that failure to complete these projects in time could negatively impact enrolment rates and the quality of education offered at the university stressing that modern infrastructure is a crucial factor in maintaining the institution’s competitive edge and ability to attract students from across the country.
While acknowledging the financial challenges, Mr. Tanui remained optimistic that with the necessary funding, both projects could be completed within the revised timelines and urged all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury, to work towards securing the required funds to ensure that construction work resumes without further delays.
The County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, who chaired the meeting, called on all implementing agencies to ensure that government projects are executed efficiently and completed on schedule emphasising that the University of Kabianga is a vital institution in the region, and ensuring it has adequate infrastructure is key to supporting its academic programs.
As the discussion on funding continues, stakeholders remain hopeful that the government will intervene to provide the necessary resources and with the completion of these projects, it will not only improve the university’s academic environment but also contribute to the economic development of Kericho County by attracting more students and investments to the region.
By Dominic Cheres
