By Andanje Wakhungu
President William Ruto has been lauded for appointing Dr. Betty Inyangala as the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education (MoE), Department of Higher Education and Research.
Led by Professor Philip Wanjala Mugonyi of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), the Western region academia hailed the president for keeping his promise of 30 per cent government appointments to the Mulembe nation.
The professor noted that Dr. Inyangala had vast experience in the higher education sector and was key to the progress of education not only at the county but also national level.
“We are happy that the president heard our plea to have Dr. Betty be appointed as she has what it takes to revamp, fix and rehabilitate the shortfalls of our education system. The Kabras people are optimistic that through her we will be able to have a university at Malava considering that the proposal was already in place and several locations identified and approved for construction,” he said.
Flanked by a number of Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Prof Mugonyi said Dr. Inyangala will bring the needed reforms in the education sector, while ensuring that the girl child empowerment is given first priority.
“Our county has been recording high numbers of teen pregnancies and this has seen the highest number of girls dropping out of school; but with the coming on board of our lady, who is an educationist, she will not only shine a ray of hope on our girls but ensure that they are taken back to class after delivery,” he added.
In a rejoinder, the MCAs, including Kevin Mahelo (UDA) of Butali Chegulo Ward, Peter Wanami (UDA) of Shirugu Mugai Ward, Kefa Musiya (ANC) from East Kabras, Josephat Wakukha from South Kabras, and Geoffrey Sikolia of Chemuche Ward unanimously praised the president for the PS appointment.
Mahelo promised to rally behind Dr. Inyangala in ensuring that education matters in the sub-county are addressed accordingly.
Dr. Inyangala, who hails from Shirugu Mugai Ward, served as Deputy Executive Director of the Nairobi-based Partnership for African Social and Governance Research.
She had earlier been the Director of Higher Education at the same organization and she is an accomplished educationist who holds a Bachelor’s degree in education (Economics and Geography) from Moi University, a Master’s degree in education planning and economics, and a doctorate from Athens University in Greece.
She was the running mate to Kakamega County governor aspirant Cleophas Malala and has been part of the education reforms team that developed the education and training strategy under the vision 2030 umbrella.
She has also been a researcher as a senior official at the Commission for University Education (CUE).
