- Construction has officially begun on Johanna Ng’eno University College, following the site handover at Simotwet Secondary School in Narok County.
- Vice Chancellor Prof. Penninah Aloo Obudho said preliminary works, including fencing, are underway ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony expected in about two weeks, with the first phase covering an administration block and student hostels.
- Local leaders pledged continued support for the project, while the contractor committed to sourcing materials and hiring youth locally.
Construction of Johanna Ng’eno University College has officially commenced following the handover of the project site at Simotwet Secondary School in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Trans Mara East Sub-County, Narok County.
The institution, a constituent college of Maasai Mara University, is expected to expand access to higher education while stimulating economic growth in the region.
Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor Professor Penninah Aloo Obudho said the exercise marked the official start of construction works, beginning with preliminary activities.
“Today we are officially handing over the site to the contractor so that work can commence. This process allows for preliminary works, including fencing the site and other preparations ahead of the main construction,” said Prof. Aloo.
Speaking during the site handover ceremony, Obudho said the university was committed to ensuring the project was completed as scheduled.
“We expect to hold the groundbreaking ceremony in about two weeks, and we will closely monitor the implementation to ensure the project progresses according to plan,” she added.
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Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech described the handover as a major milestone in the establishment of the institution, saying the project would transform education and development in the region.
“Johanna Ng’eno Maasai Mara University College is steadily taking shape. Together with the Vice Chancellor of Maasai Mara University, we have witnessed the handover of the construction site for the administration block and students’ hostels, marking another key milestone towards realizing this transformative institution,” said Koech.
He reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting the project until completion.
Ololmasani Ward MCA Kipkoech Tembur also pledged his support, assuring residents that leaders would work together to ensure construction proceeds without delays.
“We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure everything goes on as planned because this institution is important for the future of our people,” he said.
Residents who attended the ceremony welcomed the commencement of construction, expressing optimism that the university college would create employment opportunities, improve business activity and enhance access to higher education within the region.
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The project’s contractor assured the local community that priority would be given to sourcing construction materials locally and employing youth from the surrounding area.
“We are committed to working closely with the local community. As much as possible, we will source construction materials from within the area and offer employment opportunities to local youth during the implementation of the project,” the contractor said.
The first phase of the project includes the construction of the administration block and students’ hostels at the temporary site within Simotwet Secondary School.
Once completed, Johanna Ng’eno University College is expected to serve as a constituent college of Maasai Mara University, increasing access to university education for students from Narok County and neighbouring regions while contributing to the area’s socio-economic development.
By Kimtai Langat
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