Wote: The government will spend over Sh6 billion to construct hostels in three institutions to accommodate students in Makueni County, Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has said.

According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kindiki announced that the government plans to build hostels with 1,500 rooms each at Wote Training Technical Institute (WTTI) and Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) – Wote Campus, both projects costing Sh3 billion each. Additionally, 300 units will be constructed at Kwa Kathoka Agricultural Training College (ATC) at a cost of Sh300 million.

Prof. Kindiki made these comments during a fundraising event at Police Sports Ground in Wote town, aimed at empowering women and youth groups economically. He emphasized that the construction of these hostels is intended to provide students with suitable accommodation, facilitating an uninterrupted learning environment.

While the Deputy President did not specify the timeline for the construction, he mentioned that other medical colleges and Technical Vocational and Education Training institutions will also benefit from this government initiative, which is being rolled out nationwide.

During the event, Prof. Kindiki also highlighted the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, through which 70 youths from every ward in the country engaging in micro and small businesses will receive Sh50,000 to expand their ventures. This initiative targets businesses in carpentry, welding, barbershops, and electrical shops.

On the agricultural front, Prof. Kindiki assured support for farmers cultivating pulses such as cowpeas and green grams, aiming to enhance their profitability and livelihoods. He urged the youth to engage in government programs and avoid idleness, thereby reducing susceptibility to political manipulation.

Furthermore, Prof. Kindiki encouraged young people to apply online for the Workx Climate initiative (formerly Kazi Mtaani), through which the government plans to recruit 110,000 individuals for environmental conservation tasks like cleaning rivers and unclogging drainage systems nationwide.

At the same event, Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse expressed gratitude to the government for allocating Sh2 billion in the budget for the ongoing construction of Thwake Dam and funds for tarmacking the Emali-Ukia Road.