Masinde Muliro varsity, NHC sign Sh90m deal for new lecture halls

The National Housing Corporation has entered into a partnership with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology to construct a Sh90 million lecture halls complex.

The leadership of the two institutions signed a project agreement for its construction in Kakamega on Monday.

The complex will be constructed using 100 per cent expanded polystyrene system panels, an innovative building technology that is cost-effective, durable and environmentally friendly.

It will include six lecture halls: two with a seating capacity of 100 students each, two with a capacity of 140 students each, and two that can accommodate up to 450 students each.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure and investing in the future of our young people,” NHC managing director David Mathu said.

“This facility will greatly enhance the learning environment for students while supporting the university’s expanding academic programmes.”

He said his team would engage residents, including working with local artisans to supply steel windows and doors, as well as other materials required for the project, to support the local economy.

This approach, Mathu said, would ensure the surrounding community directly benefits from the investment.

The CEO also said two ablution blocks would be constructed to support the facility.

“As enrolment continues to rise across our public universities, it is imperative that infrastructure development keeps pace with demand,” he said.

The project agreement was signed by Mathu, NHC chairman Yusuf Chanzu and MMUST vice chancellor Prof Solomon Shibairo, and is expected to be completed within four months.

Shibairo said the university was pleased with the partnership with NHC, a government institution involved in infrastructure development.

He said the number of students sitting examinations at the university had risen sharply from 9,000 in 2021 to 23,000 this year.

“These high numbers are due to prudent management and affordable fees,” Shibairo said.

The vice chancellor expressed confidence that the government-to-government partnership would go a long way in helping the institution address some of its challenges.