By Kamundia Muriithi
The University of Embu has appealed to the County Government to help in the construction of a drainage and sewage system to accommodate its rising student population.
University Chancellor Prof Musili Wambua said a sewage system would provide a clean and healthy learning environment to avert risks of students contracting waterborne diseases, especially during the rainy seasons.
He said the student population stands at almost 6,000 and the number is set to increase to over 15,000 in two years’ time, hence a dire need to expand sewage and drainage system.
The university is currently engaged on an aggressive infrastructural expansion programme, and recently completed putting up a storied state-of-the-art administration block, academic facilities and library as it positions itself to become the region’s academic hub.
Prof Musili said the institution requires more land, improved road network, sewage system and street lighting to be able to attract more students and staff.
“The competition is high and as we work on our expansion programme we need support from the county leadership,” he said during his first address to the university.
The institution was once an agricultural training institute and was transformed into a constituent college of the University of Nairobi in 2013, when it had 128 students.
It has few hostels with most of its students being housed at the neighbouring Kangaru and Embu towns, a few kilometers away.
“We call for partnerships with the locals to help in building accommodation facilities. In the long run, we plan to expand the accommodation facilities for students and staff within the institution,” he said.
The Chancellor reiterated that the university has expanded its academic programmes from eight to 78, and plan to establish Schools of Medicine, Law and Hospitality.
It intends to partner with the Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital to attach its students at the facility to help them gain the necessary medical experience.
