Construction of Nyamira University College is gathering pace, with Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi saying the institution is on course to admit its first students in 2027.
Ogechi said the main building, which will house administration offices and some classrooms, is expected to be ready by February 2027.
Structural works are scheduled for completion by December, paving the way for finishing works and the installation of facilities ahead of the first intake.
The Vice Chancellor spoke on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the campus, located at Kiabonyoru, about two kilometres from Nyaramba township.
“As you can see, we are making good progress on the construction, and we are working towards having the key facilities ready before the first students arrive,” Ogechi said.
The planned university college is expected to comprise at least 16 blocks as construction expands to provide infrastructure for a fully operational institution.
Ogechi said additional buildings, including ablution facilities, would be launched this week.
“By Thursday, more blocks will be started, among them the ablution units. We want to make sure that the infrastructure grows alongside the student population,” he said.
The first cohort is expected to enrol in 2027 to pursue programmes in ICT, business and agriculture.
Ogechi said the programmes had been selected to respond to the region’s educational and economic needs.
“We expect to receive our first students in 2027. We are preparing the infrastructure and the academic programmes so that the college can begin its operations on a firm foundation,” he said.
He said accommodation would be a key priority as enrolment increases, adding that the national government, through the Affordable Housing Programme, would support the construction of some hostels.
“The issue of accommodation is important because we are expecting a large number of students. The government will support us through the Affordable Housing Programme by providing some of the hostel facilities,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also urged residents to prepare for the economic opportunities expected to arise from the institution’s establishment.
He said the arrival of students and staff would increase demand for housing, shops, restaurants, transport and other services.
“We want the local community to look at the opportunities that are coming with this university. There will be a need for accommodation, shops, restaurants, transport and other services,” Ogechi said.
He challenged local investors to begin preparing for the expected demand rather than wait until the university becomes fully operational.
“My appeal to the people around here is to invest now. When the students and staff come, they will need services, and the community should be ready to provide them,” he said.
The development marks another phase in the expansion of Kisii University’s presence in the region.
Ogechi said the immediate focus was to maintain the pace of construction and ensure the institution is ready to provide a conducive learning environment when the first cohort arrives.
For residents around the campus, the project is emerging as a potential economic catalyst, with increased demand for housing, food, transport, retail and other services expected as the student and staff population grows.
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