Nairobi: Construction of the Sh1.2 billion Machakos University student village hostel is set to restart after the contractor resumed full operations and unveiled a recovery plan to address delays caused by difficult ground conditions. The project comprises three hostel blocks with a combined capacity of about 2,520 students and includes supporting infrastructure such as access roads, power reticulation, and a student mini-mart.
According to Kenya News Agency, site engineer Monica Juma attributed the slow start to the site’s sloping terrain and unexpected rock formations that necessitated additional excavation during the foundation phase. To recover lost time, the contractor and site engineer’s plan involves carrying out concurrent construction on all three blocks, extending working hours beyond the normal shift, and introducing night work once foundation works are complete. The target is to reach ground slab level by October 2026.
Machakos County Commissioner, Jackson Ole Chuta, who led a County Development Committee for a site visit to assess the progress of the hostels, urged the contractor to sustain the recovery program and deliver within the agreed timelines. “This is an important investment for our students and the general community. We expect all stakeholders to remain committed to delivering the project on time while maintaining quality and accountability,” he said.
Once completed, the hostel is expected to ease severe accommodation shortages for higher education students at Machakos University and improve the overall learning environment for students.
