The recently constructed Sh300 million Kwale Teachers Training College is set to be commissioned.
It is expected to have its first classes of at least 200 students on October 4. The capacity is expected to increase to over 1,000 students with time.
It becomes the second public teacher training college at the Coast after Shanzu Teachers Training College. It is situated at Bang'a along the Kinango-Samburu road in Kinango subcounty.
The college will offer training in early childhood development education and diploma courses.
Last year, the college board of management was inaugurated and a principal posted. President Uhuru Kenyatta directed Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha to ensure the TTC is successfully registered.
County director of communication Daniel Nyasi said pioneer principal Hellen Machuka was in Nairobi working on the intake of students.
"Madam Hellen is processing the names of the learners expected to join the college," he said.
Nyasi said construction works had gained pace ahead of the opening. He said the contractor was in the final stages and hopefully things will go according to plan.
Nyasi said they were racing against time to finalise hostels. Beds and mattresses are some of the boarding items that have been acquired.
The facility also contains classic administration and tuition blocks with balconies, doors and windows that tap fresh cool breeze from every direction.
Some distances away are twin staff houses to ensure effective management. The school was constructed by Kwale county in partnership with the national government.
The TTC got a major boost following President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit last year when he toured the county to inspect development projects.
He authorised the allocation of Sh150 million for the upgrade of the institution after being pleased with the project.
The certificate of registration for the college was officially handed over to Governor Salim Mvurya by Magoha in September 2020.
Besides education, the institution is expected to trigger business activities in Kinango. Cybercafe, restaurant and rental house businesses will boom as student enrolment increases.
The delay to open the TTC was due to Covid-19, according to Governor Mvurya in a previous interview.
Kwale is privileged to have another regional centre of excellence in the Sh1.2 billion African Maritim Institute whose construction is ongoing at Chistakamatsa in Matuga.
It will serve Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.
Mvurya asked students to take advantage of the colleges to further their studies and change their lives.