Kisii University opens state-of-the-art tuition block

A new twin towers tuition block at Kisii University with a sitting capacity of 2,00 students per session set to be commissioned ahead of September intake. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

Kisii University has a new state-of-the-art tuition block complete with 45 lecture halls.

The multi-million tower housing a tuition block and an ICT center is expected to serve thousands of learners at the institution.

The university is set to receive at least 7,772 students during the September intake for 2024/25 Academic Year. It has declared 16,000 vacancies.

At least three lecture halls that can accommodate 300 learners taking common units have been established.

The university is set to create space for more lecture halls after the relocation of the decades old administration block. The old offices will be converted into more than 15 lecture halls according to the university administration.

When he took over last year as Vice Chancellor Nathan Ogechi noted that the university has 318 teaching staff, with 64 under tutorial and a total of 635 staff.

Some Associate Professors are set for promotions to full professors before September.

Among the teaching staff, three are full professors and 14 associate professors, cutting across the university's main campus and three satellite campuses in Kericho, Migori and Eldoret.

"We are looking at the expansion plan, the university can only attract more funding if we increase the number of full professors who will be undertaking research in different fields. The institution is set to roll out a plan on how to support our associate professors," said Prof Ogechi.

The VC said the university needs to retain the best scholars through implementing a staff development plan.

"My vision is to have a world-class university with the best programmes. Universities across the globe have been undergoing major challenges, including financial constraints. We have 30 degrees being reviewed," he said.

Prof Ogechi said the construction of the 10,000 hostel block would be a game changer for the institution. "I was able to confirm the needs of the university and all other public universities," he said.

He revealed that the institution has initiated several programmes to ensure they have practical attachment and placement of students.

"We will continue to partner with other stakeholders locally and internationally. A while ago, the university approved a business plan to enable us to launch a health agreement with the University of Manchester. We have been reorganising ourselves in line with financial regulations. No staff or student will be compromised in the process," he said.

"We are waiting for the construction of the university city that will help us reduce congestion in the institution. We are happy that we have received support from the government," added the VC.