A group of Kenyans in diaspora are set to pump in millions towards the construction of a multi-billion university in Taita Taveta County.
The idea is the brainchild of Prof Arthur Gerstenfeld and the late Prof Raphael Njoroge of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) but was later taken up by Dan Kamau, who is a member of the Diaspora University Town Project.
The two scholars were committed to having a new university in Africa to apply WPI project-based learning approach that incorporates research and innovation through projects.
The university will have schools of engineering and applied science, business and technology, residential buildings, a hospital, hotels and an industrial park.
[caption caption="Dan Kamau, Prof. Ginzberg Dean School of Business, Dr. Endege and Prof. Starkis Head of Department, School of Business at WPI"]
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Groundbreaking of the project is scheduled for August and reports indicate that the model of the institution's town (University Town) is based around the Amherst Town in Massachusetts.
Construction costs are estimated to hit Ksh100 billion and implementation of the plan has already been approved by the county government.
Already, 1,500 acres of land has been secured and surveyed. The group is now in the process of securing another 1,500 acres to get the requisite acreage earmarked for the project.
According to Kamau, the project is expected to create 20,000 new jobs in the first five years in the construction of the infrastructure, including that of the university and 6,000 townhouses.
“Entrepreneurs are planning to supply materials and equipment. The site physical planning is ongoing.
"We are still developing resources needed and are awaiting a bill to be passed at the Taita Taveta County Assembly for additional land,” he remarked.
Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja backed the project saying it will be a huge milestone for the county.
“As we have given them land, we will provide them with every necessary support to have the project become a reality,” he affirmed.
[caption caption="File Photo of Taita Taveta University"]
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