MKU to construct a Sh. 2.5 billion students hostels in Thika.

MKU acting VC Prof. Peter Wanderi (right) and MKU Council Chairman Prof. David Serem (left) launching the revised scheme of service for staff

Mount Kenya University has collaborated with Stag Africa to construct 3,000-bed hostel units for its students at the university’s Happy Valley land in Landless Estate, Thika at a cost of Ksh. 2.5 billion.

Speaking during a party to bid farewell to long serving vice chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo, MKU Founder and Chairman Dr. Simon Gicharu said that the construction would start next month.

He said the project would help improve accommodation for an increasing number of students.

“The project is part of our vision and strategic plan for the next 10 years to make this university an ultramodern main campus. We will receive a delegation from Stag Africa next week, led by the brother to former South Africa President- Pete de Klerk,” said Gicharu.

Gicharu added that the university on Saturday launched a review scheme of service of its workforce to ensure the institution attracted and retained competent and dedicated staff. He also noted that an enabling environment is key to staff motivation and productivity.

“I’m pleased to note that the University management will borrow from the founding vice-chancellor who has appreciated all the members of staff through a token of appreciation.”

The chairperson said the university would also have Centres of Excellence to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

“The current Main Campus facilities will become a teaching and referral hospital to support the College of Health Sciences and the Government Agenda on Universal Health Care,” he said.

Through MKU Foundation, the university has also established the Chancellor Scholarship Fund to sponsor needy students. The Chancellor has initiated the Ksh. 100 million kitty with Ksh. 1.25 million.

This semester alone, the foundation will spend Sh 5 million to facilitate studies of the needy students in all MKU campuses.

“I was really touched by a case of a student who was willing to sell one of her kidneys to pay school fees, this made me start this foundation so that we can reach to other similar cases,” the chairman said.