Ronald Ngala Utalii Collage in Kilifi is expected to admit the first batch of students in June next year, a State agency financing its construction has said.
In an interview on Tuesday, Tourism Fund board of directors chairman, Mr Alfonse Kioko, phase one of the project was at over 64.5 percent.
''It is a mammoth project which will not only cater for local students but also international ones from across Africa and the world. With all the infrastructure in place, we are ascertain that apart from certificates and diplomas, it can effectively offer degree course at its inception,'' Kioko said.
The Kilifi based collage is one of Vision 2030 flagship project. It has, however, been hit by claims of graft, and lack of funds leading to a delay in its completion.
Both Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Parliamentary Investment Committee (PIC) have in the past probed the cost of the project.
Currently, parliament's Select Committee on Implementation is probing the project. All the probes focus on the escalation of the cost from Sh1.9 billion to Sh4.9 billion.
Last week, PIC visited the construction site in Vipingo, Kiilfi county, and asked the government to give funds to complete the works.
Yesterday Kioko admitted that TF has been grappling with issues of financing for the project but exuded confident that the project will be complete in time.
"TPF has committed to disburse Sh1.5 billion to the project.There have been periodical site visits to ensure that we are on course to deliver,'' Kioko said.
TF's main revenue stream, two percent levy from tourist establishments, took a tumbled following the outbreak of Covid-19 in March last year.
''The dusk to dawn curfew which has since been lifted brought with it more sufferings as businesses in the hospitality sector could not break even,'' Kioko added.
The collage is being constructed on a 60-acre parcel of land in Vipingo area of Kilifi county. The collage will occupy 40 acres, said Kioko.
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