The Mariene Research Institute, a project by Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has stalled due to a shortage of funds.

The institute, designed as a centre of excellence in the field of agricultural studies, is being constructed at Mariene in Central Imenti.

The community in Central Imenti led by then Abothoguchi MCA and now Meru Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi had for years lamented that the area was the only one without a university campus in Meru.

But the construction has since stalled with MUST Vice Chancellor Prof Romanus Odhiambo saying the project is now 55 percent done but expressing hope the national government will release more funds for its completion.

Prof Odhiambo expressed gratitude to the government for releasing Sh300 million used to put up the lecture halls and laboratory, administration and laboratory blocks at the site which now has no activities after the contractor abandoned it.

"I really want to thank the government, which has so far provided Sh300 million. Mariene is an exciting project, and we are at 55 percent. We are still following the government and we are in talks, and I just pray we are able to get more funding and see how we can develop this project," Odhiambo said.

He noted that they need about Sh500 million to complete the project.

"I am sure the government will soon provide funds when resources become available, so that we can resuscitate where we have stalled a bit," Odhiambo said.

He said the institute was a key project for agricultural education and development, hence the reason the university is keen to see it take off.

"Mariene is an exciting place that the university wants to develop as a centre of excellence for post-graduate studies in agriculture, value addition, agro-processing, not only in Kenya but the whole of Africa," said the VC.

Odhiambo said it would boost edu-tourism as visitors will have the benefit of seeing the Mt Kenya and the beauty of the natural world in the Meru region.

In sentiments echoed by Meru Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi, the VC said the institute offered a myriad opportunities for local farmers, investors, and other businesses.

Odhiambo challenged locals to invest in hostels, hotels and other facilities to sustain students, staff and others once it opens its doors.