What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has announced the construction of 580 hostel units in Murang’a County to accommodate over 7,000 learners. The Sh308 million project aims to alleviate accommodation challenges faced by students at Kiambugi TVET and other institutions. Ruto also pledged additional funding for classroom expansions and digital learning resources, enhancing educational infrastructure in the area.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has announced that the national government will construct hostels to accommodate more than 7,000 learners pursuing various courses in Murang’a County.
During his two-day tour of the county, the President launched the construction of Sh308 million hostels at Kiambugi TVET in Kiharu Constituency.
The institution, built through NG-CDF two years ago, currently has over 2,000 enrolled learners who have been struggling to secure accommodation.
The project will comprise 580 housing units and is expected to be completed by January 2027. Similar hostel projects are also planned for Michuki National Polytechnic and Murang’a University of Technology.
In addition, the President donated 50 computers to Kiambugi TVET’s ICT hub and pledged to deliver another 50 within a week to boost digital learning.
“All these ICT hubs will be connected to the internet, and instructors have already been deployed to train young people on digital jobs,” he said, noting that the initiative will equip learners with skills for digital commerce and financial independence.
President William Ruto launching Kiambugi Tvet hostels in Kiharu constituency, Murang’a county, on April 25, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA
Ruto further pledged Sh20 million to support the expansion of classrooms and workshops at the institution to address congestion. Currently, the TVET operates a semi-permanent workshop which, according to its manager, Daniel Warungu, is inadequate for the growing student population.
The President also committed to constructing hostels at the Murang’a branch of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to ease the burden on students forced to seek accommodation in Murang’a town.
This followed a request by Communications Authority of Kenya chairperson Charles Karondo, who urged the government to prioritise the institution.
“We are constructing 1,200 units at Michuki National Polytechnic and another 1,200 at the university. At KMTC Murang’a branch, my Lands CS Alice Wahome will mobilise Sh200 million for hostel construction,” said the President.
Karondo also appealed for support to expand local primary schools, including Vidhu Ramji, Mbiri, St. Mary’s and Kongo-ini, which serve large student populations.
In response, the President pledged Sh25 million to improve infrastructure and create a more conducive learning environment.
President William Ruto at Kiambugi T-vet in Kiharu constituency, where he commissioned a Sh308m hostels project/ ALICE WAITHERAEarlier, Ruto had launched the Sh896 million Kiriko–Kagumo-ini–Gitugi–Chui–Karugia road in Mathioya Constituency. He also unveiled an affordable housing project, inspected the Sh800 million Mumbi Stadium, and toured the ongoing Kayole Market project in Murang’a town.
Addressing a mammoth crowd in Murang’a town, the President highlighted his administration’s development record and called for continued support from residents.
Lands CS Alice Wahome said the government has allocated Sh27 billion for development projects in the county, including 25 markets and multiple affordable housing initiatives.
“Stay the course. We voted for you and remain firmly behind you,” she said.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi noted that the government is investing heavily in sports infrastructure nationwide. In Murang’a, two sports academies are underway alongside the upgrade of Mumbi and Gakoigo stadiums, each estimated at Sh800 million.
“This region supports you because of the development you have delivered, and that support will continue into the elections,” he said.
Murang’a County has faced significant challenges in accommodating its growing student population, particularly in technical and vocational education. The establishment of hostels is part of a broader initiative by the Kenyan government to enhance educational facilities and support digital learning. This project aligns with national efforts to improve access to education and vocational training, crucial for the region’s development and economic growth. The government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure reflects its recognition of the importance of education in fostering a skilled workforce.
