Ronald Ngala Utalii College set for completion after 14-year time lag

SADIK HASSAN-KNA 

After a 14-year hiatus, construction of the Sh8.5 billion Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Vipingo is finally taking shape. 

The project had been stalled for years due to allegations of corruption and impropriety. Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, recently gave an extensive tour of the impressive facility, which spans 59 acres near the Indian Ocean. 

She stated that the institution is set to become a center of excellence for the hospitality sector in line with Vision 2030. The college is expected to bolster the Blue Economy and Cruise Tourism sectors by offering specialized training, thereby enhancing skill development and capacity building. 

“A lot of work has been done, and the project is now approximately 83 percent complete,” said CS Miano, who was accompanied by board members from the Tourism Fund. The CS also held a meeting with the board to discuss the operationalization plan and the college’s opening schedule. 

“We hope to be ready by the end of the first quarter of next year,” she added. “We want it to have all the specialisation and we look forward to fulfilling the market in the region and even internationally for the people we need in the hospitality sector,” she added. 

The CS lauded the Tourism Trust Fund Trustees for working around the clock to ensure the project progresses as scheduled.