MMUST Partners With National Housing Corporation To Construct Kshs. 90 Million Modern Lecture Hall Set To Enhance Academic Infrastructure

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has entered into a project agreement with the National Housing Corporation (NHC) to construct a state-of-the-art lecture hall complex valued at Kshs. 90 million. The agreement, which was signed on Monday 9^th February 2026, by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and the Chairman of the NHC Board of Directors, Hon. Yusuf Chanzu, is part of the University’s efforts to enhance its academic infrastructure. The signing, held at the University grounds, culminated with a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the construction. Under the Agreement, NHC will undertake the construction of the lecture halls using 100% Expanded Polystyrene System (EPS) panels, an innovative building technology, which will see the project completed within four (4) months.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Shibairo noted that the partnership is a strategic step in ensuring the University’s infrastructure keeps pace with its growing student population. “MMUST has been attracting high numbers of students over the years and this has brought about a shortage of lecture and examination spaces. I am confident that NHC will hold up its end of the bargain, providing us with a long term solution to this challenge,” said Prof. Shibairo, adding that the Kshs. 90 Million project will be financed through internally generated funds.

Prof. Solomon Shibairo speaks during the ceremony.

Hon. Yusuf Chanzu commended the University leadership for choosing to partner with NHC in this initiative. “The signing of this project agreement is a clear demonstration of the Corporation’s commitment to partnering with institutions of higher learning, to enhance their infrastructure and create conducive environments for teaching, learning and research. I assure you that our team of experienced professionals is fully committed to delivering this project on time, and we look forward to handing it over by June this year,” stated the Chairman-NHC Board of Directors.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. John Kuria Thuo reiterated that the University has had inadequate space to accommodate its growing student population. Prof. Thuo pointed out that MMUST has engaged in intense discussions with NHC, including visiting their premises and seeing how the EPS panels technology works. “With the increasing student enrollment, we need quick solutions that will provide extra learning spaces and I truly appreciate NHC for stepping in to support us in this endeavour. I hope that this is the beginning of more partnerships between MMUST and NHC,” added Prof. Thuo.

QS. David Mathu gives his remarks at the event.

NHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, QS. David Mathu, while addressing the press during the ceremony revealed that this is the first time NHC is partnering with a University to build lecture halls using this technology. “The lecture hall complex has been carefully designed to cater for diverse academic needs. It will comprise two lecture halls with a seating capacity of 100 students each, two lecture halls accommodating 140 students each, and two large lecture halls with a capacity of up to 450 students each. In addition, two ablution blocks will be constructed to support the facility,” he explained. Further, the Managing Director noted that the project will engage locally available manpower, as well as students from the School of Engineering and Built Environment, who will experience alternative building material technology.

As student enrolment continues to rise in the University, it is imperative that infrastructure development keeps pace with demand. MMUST’s strategic partnership with NHC will not only alleviate the current pressure on existing facilities but also provide a modern learning space, which will certainly foster academic excellence.