The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has signed an agreement with the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) University in Kakamega town to construct an ultramodern lecture hall complex at a cost of 90 million shillings.
Under the agreement, NHC is set to undertake the construction of the lecture halls using 100 percent Expanded Polystyrene System (EPS) Panels, building technology that is cost-effective, durable and environmentally-friendly and will take a record four months to complete.
The project will be composed of two lecture halls each designed with 100 students seating capacity, two lecture halls with a capacity of 140 students each and two large lecturer halls capable of accommodating up to 450 students each.
In addition, the complex will also include construction of an ablution block to serve the University.
The agreement was signed by NHC Board Chairman, Yusuf Chanzu, MMUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Solomon Shibairo, at a ceremony held at the University and witnessed by NHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, David Mathu, among officials from both NHC and the University.
NHC Chairman, Yusuf Chanzu, while underscoring the broader mandate of NHC in supporting national development through the provision of quality infrastructure, noted that the Corporation has successfully implemented several projects across the country using EPS technology
He cited the Changamwe Infill Estate in Mombasa, Voi Infill in Taita Taveta, Olympic Estate in Nairobi, Langata Mixed –Use Development in Nairobi and the recently completed Ithookwe Airstrip project in Kitui County.
“In addition, some blocks at Siloam Hospital in Kericho are constructed using a 100 percent EPS panels.This growing adoption demonstrates the increasing confidence in this innovative construction technology nationwide,” he added.
MMUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Solomon Shibairo, welcomed the construction of the complex, noting that the new facility will greatly enhance learning environment as well as cope with the expanding University’s expanded academic programmmes and increasing number of learners.
NHC Managing Director and CEO, David Mathu, said the adoption of EPS technology reflects NHC’s commitment to delivering modern, sustainable and high-quality infrastructure solutions for public institutions across the country.
“As enrollment continues to rise across our public universities, it is imperative that infrastructure development keeps pace with demand. This project is therefore both timely and strategic,” he added.
The CEO said the project is expected to be completed in a record four months, hence ensuring the timely delivery of the much-needed learning spaces for the university community.
“I assure you, Prof. Vice-Chancellor, that NHC will deliver this project within the agreed timeliness,” the CEO confirmed.
MMUST University has an enrolment of over 20,000 students pursing different courses.
By George Kaiga
