By Roy Hezron
Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Higher Education and Research Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi has urged Bomet County Government and the local leadership to support Bomet University College (BUC) so it can be awarded a charter to become a University.
Speaking at the College on December 1, 2022 during his visit to the county where he held a consultative meeting with its leadership and the Bomet County Government, the PS urged the leaders to unite and support BUC, reiterating that the goodwill of the political leadership will provide a tremendous atmosphere to enable expansion of the university.
The County Governor, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Hillary Barchok, assured the PS that his government is committed to support the college especially on land issues among others.
He said the county government in liaison with BUC’s management will seek to establish a number of relevant short courses to directly benefit the local community.
He promised to convene a local leadership meeting to strategize on how best to assist the college to grow and excel in the region.
Amb. Nabukwesi later attended the official closing of the 2nd Bomet University College International Conference themed ‘Building on Institutional Resilience for Sustainable Development”.
The international conference promotes Kenya’s efforts to make an impact on Agenda 2063 for Africa and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
During the conference, BUC showcased one of their innovative products – the herbal infused soap and sanitizer.
The PS challenged researchers and innovators to market their product far and wide so as to build a good name for the university.
“Universities have a mandate to contribute to the National, Regional and Global social-economic development through Research and Development. I therefore urge universities to form Research and Innovation consortia as a strategic way of enhancing their visibility and synergy,” said the PS.
Amb. Nabukwesi further urged academic experts in different fields to produce innovative products that can greatly contribute towards attaining food security, manufacturing affordable housing and universal health care.
“I am glad that today Bomet University College Researchers intend to use the herbal soap innovation in achieving one of its key mandates which is transferring knowledge to the society and also empowering women and youth to be self-reliant and improving livelihoods through hygiene and sanitization,” noted the PS.
Bomet University College currently has a student enrolment of over 2,500 from 340 students in 2018.
