Moi University’s World Bank-funded Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytochemicals, Textile and Renewable Energy (ACEII – PTRE) finally got its own new home after the contractor for its one-storeyed magnificent office block handed it over to Moi University Council and Management on Monday December 2, 2024.
Speaking at the event, while handing over the state-of-the-art structure, the building’s Project Manager, Architecture Francis Gichuhi, said since November 2022 when the project commenced, they underwent several challenges but they managed to surmount them.
“We have been resilient in our journey as Habitech Consultants since the ground-breaking day in late November 2022 and now here are your keys to the ACEII – PTRE office block. Guard it jealously since it’s a treasure. Ensure you have enough security during day and night to maintain it intact. In fact, you should ensure that it is thoroughly fenced, “said Mr. Gichuhi.
Moi University’s Council chairman, Dr. Dr. Humphrey Kimani Njuguna, applauded all parties involved in having the building come to fruition.
“I really admire and appreciate your good work. This complex is the second infrastructure project we are delivering after the signature gate. Some of the challenges faced at Moi University now, go way back to over two decades ago but we are the ones carrying the cross now,” said Dr. Dr. Njuguna.
He added: “It’s good to appreciate good work. Despite the many crises we have, we have managed to deliver. Out of the many public universities in Kenya, 23 of them are all insolvent. We are not the only ones in trouble. Don’t kill your only parent, Moi University, by claiming that money have been siphoned to a tune of Kshs. 2.2 billion. That’s very malicious and unfair,” said Dr. Dr. Njuguna.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Sanga Kosgey, reiterated the need for objective reporting about the plight of Moi University, noting that the institution is on the right track of recovery.
”This structure we are celebrating today is a result of resilience and hard work in research and innovation. It’s a testimony that if you put more energy in research you reap big. So, we should invest more in research so as to reap more of such world-class projects,” said Prof. Kosgey.
Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi, the chairperson of the University Council’s Finance, Administration and Strategy Committee, took issue with the critics of Moi University, saying that they should not make wild allegations, but instead visit the institution and witness first-hand evidence of what the institution is really like.
“People are taking about Moi University being full of dilapidated buildings, but have they bothered to come and see what is inside? Now look at the new gate and now this magnificent structure. This is a great gift that we should guard jealously. We have invested a lot of money in this building and therefore we should maximize on its use. Similarly, we have other ongoing projects that will change the face of Moi University,” said Prof. Momanyi.
ACEII – PTRE Centre Leader, Sir Prof. Ambrose Kiprop who also serves as the Director, Resource Mobilization, Enterprise Development and Institutional Advancement, hailed the University Council and Management for their support to ensure that the project became a reality.
“This is a very unique building in addition to the state-of-the-art Semi-luxurious Scania bus that the Centre has acquired. These are just among the several infrastructure achievements we have gained as ACEII – PTRE and Moi University at large.
ACEII – PTRE Deputy Centre Leader and Dean of the School of Sciences and Aerospace Studies, Dr. Rose Ramkat, appreciated the World Bank for its financial support that has had an indelible mark in the Centre’s life stream. Dr. Ramkat expressed optimism in the Centre’s role in changing the outlook of Moi University as being an internationally acclaimed centre of research and innovation.
