Ronald Ngala Utalii College to be Completed by October Amid Corruption Scandal

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary nominee Rebecca Miano has pledged that the long-awaited Ronald Ngala Utalii College will finally be completed by October. This announcement comes as the project, which has been mired in delays and controversy, approaches its final stages.

Located on 59 acres in Vipingo, Kilifi County, the college has been under construction since 2010. The project was initially envisioned during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure to enhance capacity building within Kenya’s hospitality industry. However, it has faced numerous setbacks, extending its completion timeline by over 14 years. Despite these challenges, Miano’s recent statement suggests a hopeful resolution is on the horizon.

During her vetting before the Committee on Appointments, Miano reported that the college’s infrastructural work is approximately 85% complete. She expressed confidence that the remaining work would be finished by October, with student enrollment expected to commence soon thereafter. “I am informed that the college’s infrastructural works are about 85% complete and it is anticipated that by October most of the work will be completed and intakes will start happening,” Miano said. She assured that, if approved, she would oversee the contractor to ensure adherence to these timelines.

The Ronald Ngala Utalii College project is divided into three phases. The first phase includes constructing the administration block, tuition blocks, library, a hall with a 1,500-person capacity, and various hostel and support facilities. The second phase focuses on additional hostel blocks, changing rooms, a graduation pavilion, a clinic, staff residential houses, and workshops. The final phase involves the construction of a five-star application hotel. The completed college is projected to accommodate around 3,000 students, significantly enhancing the sector’s standards and providing much-needed training.

However, the project has been fraught with controversy, including a significant corruption scandal. Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and former Principal Secretary Leah Gwiyo are embroiled in a Ksh.3.3 billion graft case. They are accused of improperly awarding a tender worth Ksh.3.3 billion to private firms for the college’s construction. The case has faced numerous delays, but recent developments have seen the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) apply to withdraw the charges, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

In addition to addressing the college’s completion, Miano has also responded to broader issues within the hotel sector. MPs highlighted the burden of numerous licenses and levies that have hindered business operations. Miano acknowledged these concerns and proposed a review of over 16 licenses and levies affecting the sector. “There are 16 licenses and levies that apply to the hotel industry. I have also come across a lot of work that has been done in trying to address these issues,” she stated. Miano promised to collaborate with stakeholders to streamline and consolidate these requirements, aiming to alleviate the sector’s regulatory burden.

As Miano awaits parliamentary approval, her commitment to resolving these issues will be crucial in ensuring that the Ronald Ngala Utalii College finally fulfills its long-awaited promise. The college’s completion is anticipated to be a significant milestone for Kenya’s hospitality industry, providing enhanced training facilities and contributing to the sector’s growth. However, the lingering corruption allegations underscore the need for continued vigilance and accountability in managing public projects.