The Technical University of Mombasa wants MPs to approve Sh1.2 billion towards development at the institution.
TUM vice chancellor Laila Abubakar told legislators if approved, the funds will be used to construct an amphitheatre, dining, kitchen and a perimeter wall.
“Kwale campus has no dining facility. Consequently students are forced to seek catering services in makeshift structures outside the campus and dining under trees,” Abubakar said.
From the Sh1.2 billion, the university plans to spend Sh800 million on the amphitheatre and the remaining Sh400 million will be spent on kitchen, dining and a perimeter wall.
“The perimeter wall will help in protecting our students and even securing the land from intruders,” Abubakar said.
Abubakar appeared before the National Assembly Education committee on Tuesday.
She said the kitchen, dining and perimeter wall are to be constructed on the Kwale campus.
“The kitchen is designed to cook for a student population of 1,500. Allowing for staggered use of the dining hall by students, a capacity of 600 is proposed,” Abubakar said.
She clarified that the proposed project sits on land owned by TUM and would cost Sh188,507,038- inclusive of 16 per cent VAT.
Abubakar said the institution requires another Sh46,400,000 to construct a perimeter wall for the same campus.
Education committee chairperson Julius Melly lauded the institution for its management style.
He said the committee would rather invest in an institution which has a well laid plan for their finances.
“We will support universities such as TUM that have exhibited prudent use of finances. We will recommend more allocations. There is no reason to add more funds to universities that are sinking," Melly said.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu said other public universities should benchmark at TUM to see what they are doing differently.
“All other universities have problems but one, TUM. What is it that is being done or not being done by others?” Maungu posed.
In her response, VC Abubakar said management is key to the successful running of a university.
She said TUM does not owe any of their staff salaries or any deductions that have not been remitted.
“With our appropriation in aid (income), we ensure that we keep our money with one month ahead. So by the 30th we pay all our staff,” she said.
The education committee is now planning to visit the Mombasa-based institution.
