Murang’a: Construction of students’ hostels at Murang’a Technical Training Institute (MTTI) is set to commence following the official handing-over of the project site, marking a major milestone in strengthening technical and vocational training infrastructure in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sh150 million project, initiated by the state department for housing and urban development, will see the construction of modern students’ villages aimed at improving welfare and security of trainees. During the ceremony, Maragua Member of Parliament Mary Wamaua highlighted that the project will significantly enhance learning conditions, as the institute’s over 2,000 students have been forced to seek accommodation outside the institution, facing challenges related to security and living conditions.
Wamaua noted that while the new accommodation plan will greatly improve student welfare, it will not yet suffice for all trainees. However, the government is committed to constructing additional hostels to eventually accommodate all students within the institution. She emphasized that improved infrastructure will enable the institution to admit more students and expand skills training opportunities for young people.
County Director of TVETs, Charles Nyota, stated that modern facilities will strengthen technical training as the country implements modularized curricula in training institutions. Nyota also mentioned plans to recruit more trainers to match the growing enrollment, in line with the government’s commitment to uplift TVET institutions.
Area Deputy County Commissioner, Bernard Odimo, assured students and residents that security agencies will continue patrolling the area to ensure student safety. He urged the contractor to prioritize local labor in consultation with National Government Administration Officers, ensuring that the project benefits are first felt by residents.
Murang’a Deputy Governor, Stephen Munania, emphasized the importance of technical skills development for economic growth. He urged trainees to leverage opportunities at the County Aggregation and Industrial Park and the Special Economic Zone being developed in Murang’a for employment prospects.
County Director for Housing, Laureen Wasungu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving student accommodation infrastructure across learning institutions. The planned facility will house 340 students and include staff quarters, recreational amenities such as a tennis court, waste management facilities, and a power house.
Local residents welcomed the project, anticipating it will stimulate economic growth. Stephen Mburu, a resident of Nyakagumo, expressed optimism that having students within the institution will boost local businesses and create employment opportunities for residents.
