KIAMBU: Residents of Gatundu are upbeat about plans by the Government to build a public university in the area, saying it will boost the economic status of locals.
Locals say they are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the construction of the proposed public university since they believe it will be instrumental in creating employment opportunities thus enhancing their living standards.
"The plan to build a university in the area is good news for us. We totally welcome the Government's move since it will raise the economic status of the area by creating jobs. This will no doubt go a long way in fighting poverty in the area," said James Kuria, a resident.
The university, which will start off as a constituent college of Moi university, will be built in Gatundu South.
It will have four campuses with the main one being situated at Mutomo town.
Moi University Vice-chancellor Prof Richard Mibey has already appointed Prof Njuguna Kimengi as the principal of the university college.
Speaking at Kimunyu shopping centre during a meet-the-people tour on yesterday, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said the university will be named Mama Ngina University after the country's former first lady and the mother to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
COLLAPSE SCHOOLS
Mr Kuria says the locals have accepted a proposal to collapse both Mutomo and Ruburi primary schools where two campuses will be built.
In addition, Kiganjo and Ng'enda polytechnics will also be elevated to campus status.
The MP said the university has agreed to adopt and nurture four youth-based cottage industries to be supported by the school of engineering, besides offering academic services.
The university will be become the third public university in Kiambu County. The county is already home to Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja and two University of Nairobi campuses in Kabete and Kikuyu towns.
