Ronald Ngala college to enrol students in few months - CS Mutua

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has said the Ronald Ngala Utalii college which has been under construction for the past 16 years will be open for students in the next few months. 

Mutua took a tour to the college on Saturday in Kilifi to assess the progress of its construction.

"It is disappointing that the concept and works have gone on for 16 years as deserving students wait and the days go by," Mutua said. 

The CS hopes the Ronald Ngala Utalii College will start its operations by early or mid-next year. 

Mutua said he has changed the approach being used in the construction of the institution. 

"Because even secondary schools and many colleges start small as few classrooms expand with time, I changed the ongoing process to ensure that key buildings are completed first, based on available funds, so that the college can open its doors by early to mid next year," Mutua said. 

He said he has agreed with the contractors that the administration buildings, social hall, student class blocks, dining hall and one or two student accommodation blocks can be completed first so that students can be admitted.

Mutua said other works of the sports stadium, staff quarters, additional hostels and a few non-essential buildings can be constructed and completed while the college is in operation.

Further, he said there is also an agreement with the contractor that in keeping with the standards of fast-developing economies such as Dubai and Singapore, construction will be conducted on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week to deliver on the project in the fastest time possible.

"I expect that by the end of March 2024, phase one will be complete and operational, thereafter, students will be in class studying," Mutua said. 

He said the ministry will work backwards to put systems in place. The CS is to receive a report of the new work matrix and available funds within the next 10 days.