This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
On April 20, 2020, the government made the decision to close down Kenya Utalii College and its satellite campuses in Kisumu and Mombasa, citing financial difficulties.
The college's hotel, which had been struggling to stay afloat, was also ordered to shut down operations and ensure residents vacate.
According to a memo from Tourism and Wildlife Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe, the college's board, management, and the ministry were directed to develop a sustainable and profitable operational plan.
“The college has been closed until such a time that its board, management and the ministry develop a sustainable and profitable operational plan,” the PS said.
The college had received intake requests for its September 2020 intake, but was ordered to complete its programmes online.
Kenya Utalii College had been struggling with a Sh3 billion loan taken by the hotel in 2017, which was requested to be cleared by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
Additionally, the college had received Sh140 billion as a loan for renovations in 1996, which had accrued to Sh2.5 billion.
It is worth noting that the hotel was recently made one of the designated Covid-19 isolation centres, but it is unclear whether those told to leave are in isolation.
