What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has announced the immediate construction of a college for the Akorino community on a 6-acre land in Ruai, valued at Ksh 120 million. The project aims to enhance education and provide training for the Akorino faithful, with construction set to begin next week and completed within a year. Ruto emphasized unity among stakeholders as key to moving forward with the project, which
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has pledged to begin the immediate construction of a college for the Akorino community on a 6-acre parcel of land in Ruai, valued at Ksh 120 million.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at State House, Nairobi, on Sunday, April 12, Ruto said the government had already handed over the title deed and identified the exact location where the institution will be built.
According to Ruto, construction of the college would begin next week and be completed in one year.
“This week, we will begin construction of your college, and next year we shall hold this meeting at the completed college in Ruai,” he stated.
The Head of State acknowledged that earlier political differences had delayed progress. Still, it noted that unity among stakeholders had now paved the way for the project to proceed.
“There was a lot of politics before, but we thank God that today we are united as one team. The differences that existed before are no longer there,” he added.
Ruto announced that a contractor would be assigned from next week to commence works, adding that a trustee structure bringing together all relevant parties would be formed to oversee the development of the institution.
The trustees shall include the higher education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, who will guide the college’s academic requirements. Also, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor will provide legal support in the event of any disputes.
According to the president, the college will include a music production studio to support talent development within the faithful community. He also noted that a road leading to the land is currently under construction to improve access.
Ruto’s fresh commitment to help in the college’s construction comes nearly two years after he made similar commitments.
During the Akorino National Prayers Conference held in Nakuru on June 9, 2024, the president pledged Ksh 50 million towards the construction of the Akorino Africa Bible College (AABC), which was to be established as a centre for training and spiritual education for the Akorino faithful.
With his fresh commitment, the college will be the first formal training school for the Akorino religious group, providing biblical studies and church leadership training.
Beyond the college construction, the government has also committed to working with the church to train and build capacity for the Akorino Sacco, pledging millions to promote financial independence within the community.
At the same time, Ruto also ordered the reservation of 50 teaching slots for the Akorino faithful during the next Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment drive.
“Akorino teachers are very sharp, and because of that, I am allocating 50 additional slots today for your children to be employed as teachers,” Ruto said.
The Akorino community, known for its unique religious practices, has long sought formal educational institutions to support their members. Previous commitments by political leaders to establish educational facilities have faced delays due to political differences. The recent pledge by President Ruto marks a significant step towards fulfilling these long-standing aspirations, aiming to provide the Akorino community with essential training and educational resources. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower the community through education and financial independence.
