The government has rolled out an ambitious plan to address persistent accommodation challenges facing students in technical and medical training institutions in Murang’a County through the construction of modern hostels.
Under the programmes, four Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and one Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus in the county will benefit from modern student hostels with a combined bed capacity of 2,180.
The institutions set to benefit include Kangema KMTC, Kiharu TVET, Kandara TVET, Murang’a TVET and Kigumo TVET.
Kangema KMTC and Kiharu TVET will each receive hostels with a capacity of 580 beds, while Kandara, Murang’a and Kigumo TVETs will each benefit from hostels accommodating 340 students.
Sites for the construction of the hostels have already been handed over to contractors, thus marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the project.
Construction works for the hostels at Kangema KMTC have already commenced, with contractors at the remaining institutions expected to mobilise and begin work in the coming days.
Murang’a County Director of Housing, speaking to Kenya News Agency on Wednesday, Laureen Wasungu confirmed that all project sites have been formally handed over to contractors noting that the initiative will go a long way in easing the accommodation burden that has affected learners of mid-level institutions.
Wasungu observed that due to inadequate on-campus housing facilities many students are currently forced to rent private accommodation far from their institutions exposing them to high costs, security concerns and long commuting distances.
“Once completed, these hostels will provide safe, modern and state-of-the-art accommodation within the institutions significantly improving the welfare and learning environment of the students,” she remarked.
She added that the project reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in education infrastructure particularly in technical and vocational training which plays a critical role in equipping young people with practical skills required in the job market.
According to the housing director, the hostels are designed to meet modern standards and will include essential amenities aimed at enhancing comfort, safety and academic focus among learners.
Education stakeholders in the county have welcomed the initiative saying it will strengthen technical and vocational education infrastructure and make TVET institutions more attractive to learners, especially those from distant areas.
The construction of the hostels is also expected to contribute to the broader national agenda of skills development, youth empowerment and socio-economic growth by creating a conducive learning environment and supporting the expansion of enrolment in technical institutions.
Once completed, the hostels will mark a major milestone in transforming Murang’a County into a hub for technical and vocational training while reducing financial pressure on students and their families.
The initiative underscores the government’s resolve to support education as a key driver of development and secure a brighter future for the youth through improved access to quality training facilities.
by Bernard Munyao
