Nairobi varsity begins expansion process

Photo/FILE

University of Nairobi students writing an exam at Taifa Hall.

What you need to know:

  • The building that cost the university Sh2.5billion will have learning facilities to accommodate 3000 students.
  • It will also house the Vice-chancellor’s, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ offices plus several lecture rooms accommodating hundreds of students.
  • Vice-Chancellor George Magoha said the building should be completed in 120 weeks and will be named Chandaria University of Nairobi Towers.

The University of Nairobi has begun construction of a 22-storey building to accommodate the increasing number of students and expand its learning facilities.

The university is said to be facing space shortage but the new building at the main campus will help resolve the issue.

On Friday, UoN chancellor Joseph Wanjui said the university’s management was eager to set the pace for other institutions of learning by establishing a world class building that would not only be a landmark but also provide a conducive environment for studying.

“The building will be finished within the time allocated and hope within the set budget,” Dr Wanjui said while presiding over the ground-breaking ceremony.

The building that cost the university Sh2.5billion will have learning facilities to accommodate 3000 students.

It will also house the Vice-chancellor’s, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ offices plus several lecture rooms accommodating hundreds of students.

Vice-Chancellor George Magoha said the building should be completed in 120 weeks and will be named Chandaria University of Nairobi Towers.

He said the Chandaria Foundation would contribute Sh125million towards the construction and hence the reason behind the naming of the facility.

“We have challenged the contractor to stick to the time frame allocated this construction. We do not want to see any stoppages at any given time. Construction will go on for 24 hours a day that is why we think 120 weeks are adequate,” Prof Magoha said.

The new tower, similar to other sky-scrapers in Nairobi, will be located between the Gandhi building and the Education block.

Prof Magoha said the construction, by China Wu Yi, a Chinese contractor, will also be financed from university’s savings.

“It will be an inspiring and attractive showcase of a green building. The facility will be a place where users shall be proud to undertake world-class scholarly work,” said Charles Sikulu, the university's Public Relations Manager .