Ruto orders Homa Bay Prison relocation to expand Tom Mboya University
President William Ruto made this announcement on Friday, during the Blue Economy Summit held in Homa Bay County.
The government has resolved to move the Homa Bay GK Prison to a new location to allow Tom Mboya University to expand on the available land.
President William Ruto made this announcement on Friday, during the Blue Economy Summit held in Homa Bay County.
He ordered that the prison be shifted to the Lambwe Valley area, which is still within Homa Bay.
President Ruto directed the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen and Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba to collaborate in ensuring that additional land is given to the university without any delays.
"I have instructed the Ministry of Education and the Internal Security to work on making sure that extra land is given to Tom Mboya University, especially from the prison which is here," said Ruto.
"I think we can take the prisoners to Lambwe Valley. Not because it is infested with tsetse flies but because there is adequate space there," he added.
Addressing concerns about the relocation, the President clarified that moving the prison was not meant as a punishment for the inmates, although Lambwe Valley is known for having tsetse flies.
He explained that the decision was driven by the availability of large, underused land parcels in the valley, which could better serve the prison's needs while freeing space for the university’s growth.
In addition to expanding land for the university, the government plans to build new hostels to improve student accommodation.
The first phase will see the construction of a hostel with 2,300 beds, which is expected to be finished by next year.
The President promised to return to officially open the new hostel once completed.
"We have now advertised to build hostels for students in this university. In the first phase, we are building a 2300-bed hostel which will be completed by next year, so I will come up here next year to commission the hostel," Ruto announced.
Moreover, the President revealed the government's plans to establish a blue economy complex to involve university students in protecting Lake Victoria's ecosystem.
He has already asked Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to work with other government departments and seek partners to support the project.
