Students at Rachuonyo Technical and Vocational College in Kasipul Constituency are set to benefit from improved accommodation after the National Government handed over a Sh156.8 million hostel project to a contractor.
Construction of the four-storey facility is expected to begin within the next two weeks and take 12 months to complete. Once finished, the hostel will accommodate about 340 students, easing pressure on existing accommodation facilities and improving living conditions at the institution.
The project was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by national government officials, local administrators, college representatives, leaders and residents.
Speaking during the site handover, Homa Bay Deputy County Commissioner Silvester Mwangulu called on residents to support the contractor and ensure the project is completed without disruptions.
Mwangulu said cooperation among the contractor, college administration and local community would be critical to the success of the project.
“The community has a responsibility to support this project by providing a peaceful environment for the contractor. When the government brings development to an area, we should work together to ensure it is completed successfully,” he said.
He also urged residents to take advantage of employment and business opportunities expected to arise during the construction period.
State Department for Housing and Infrastructure Regional Director Anderson Gichana said the hostel would increase the college’s capacity to accommodate its growing student population.
Gichana said the investment would also support the increasing demand for technical and vocational education by providing learners with better facilities and a conducive environment for training.
“This project is an important investment in the institution. Once completed, it will improve the quality of facilities available to students and ensure a better learning environment,” he said.
The official said improved infrastructure was necessary to support the government’s efforts to expand access to technical and vocational training and equip young people with skills required in the labour market.
Kasipul MP Boyd Were welcomed the project and thanked President William Ruto for supporting the investment.
Were said investment in educational infrastructure was an investment in the future of the country, noting that modern facilities would enable young people to acquire skills and contribute to national development.
“By strengthening our learning institutions with modern facilities, we are empowering our youth with the opportunities they need to acquire skills, pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He added that improved infrastructure would strengthen Rachuonyo Technical and Vocational College and expand access to technical and vocational training for young people in Kasipul and neighbouring areas.
Local administration officials also backed the project, saying its benefits would extend beyond the college to the surrounding community.
Acting Chief of Karabach Location Erick Otieno Achola urged residents to cooperate with the project team, saying construction would create employment and provide business opportunities for local residents.
“We are asking our people to embrace this development. Apart from improving the college, the project will create employment and provide business opportunities for people living around this area,” Achola said.
Rachuonyo Technical and Vocational College Chief Principal Nelly Okeye described the project as a major milestone for the institution, which has continued to expand its student population and programmes.
She said the hostel would provide a long-term solution to part of the college’s accommodation needs while improving students’ welfare.
“This is a major boost for the college. Better accommodation will improve the welfare of our students and give them a more conducive environment to learn and develop their skills,” Okeye said.
By Sitna Omar
