Kayonza–Rukara College of Education has embarked on a major expansion of the college through construction of more facilities. The college is affiliated to Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) and offers diplomas in Education.

The newly built blocks at the college. The New Times / S. Rwembeho.

According to the Director of Administration and Finance, Jasom Gakwerere, the institution has set aside at least Rwf 2 billion in its 2012-2013 budget for the purpose.

“The quest for knowledge takes more space. It gets more complicated every year as the student population grows,” he disclosed.

With a student population of about 1,500, the institution recently purchased more than 28 hectares of land from local farmers.

He pointed out the need to build modern research and learning facilities, adding a school library, administrative block and dormitories were a priority.

Gakwerere said the ongoing construction and expansion of the college would keep up with the ever growing student population.

The Director of studies at the institution, Celestin Kambanda, said that throughout the expansion process, administrators have worked hard to keep the campus as functional as possible.

He said that the project would also include improved infrastructure, expanded green space and facilities for arts and culture.

Meanwhile, a resident who neighbours the college, Johnson Mugabo, told The New Times that the expansion was a blessing for the community as it had created a significant number of jobs for local residents.

He said that the project had provided many amenities to the community and never displaced any large numbers of residents.

“The college has promised to provide its neighbours with equivalent or better housing in the neighbourhood if and when it might wish to build on their space. So, this is good for us,” he said.

By Stephen Rwembeho, The New Times