Gichugu Technical and Vocational College (TVC) in Kirinyaga will benefit from affordable housing programme as the construction of 580 units within the institution is set to begin.
The institution which is less than a kilometre from Mount Kenya Forest, has been relying much on private hostel owners to provide accommodation to the students.
Gichugu TVC principal Kimemia said the project will boost the intake as the current student population is almost 700. He thanked the government and the community for their support noting that the affordable housing programme will, in greater percentage solve the accommodation problems.
“Securing 580 housing units is no small achievement with our current student population at 690, and with the momentum we have we are targeting to reach 2,000 students by the end of next year. Once this housing project is completed it will ensure our students have access to decent accommodation,” Kimemia said.
The further principal noted the location of the institution had created a challenge in accessing accommodation expressing gratitude to locals who have built small houses for.
The development will also stimulate local businesses, creating a supportive ecosystem around our institution
In addition, he acknowledge a significant mindset shift among our youth saying we are in an era where young people are proudly embracing TVET citing data from KUCCPS where almost 42,000 young people chose not to proceed to university but instead pursue other courses in technical colleges
Area MP Githinji Gichimu said he will continue to lobby for more infrastructure for the TVC.
The legislator, who accompanied the contractor who will begin the construction of affordable housing for students, noted the students in the institution will during construction benefit from practical training in key technical areas such as building and construction, plumbing, welding, and other construction-related trades.
“As the housing project progresses, students will gain practical skills they can use to build homes for themselves and others. By the time the houses are complete, the students will have both the technical knowledge and the practical experience to find employment or even start their own businesses in the construction sector.” Gichimu said
Moreover, this development is having a positive ripple effect in the surrounding community. Local residents are already building more houses to accommodate the expected influx of students and staff.
Purity Nyaga, a student at the institution, noted the new learning institution has been facing serious challenges with accommodation. Those seeking shelter outside face difficulties, especially regarding security.
“Having access to affordable housing within the institution will make a huge difference, offering a safer, more stable environment to live in and focus on studies,” Ms Nyaga said.
By Mutai Kipngetich
