By Tony Wafula
Kibabii University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ipara Odeo, has asked the government to increase capitation to Universities to enable smooth running and enhance operations.
Speaking at Kibabii University on Friday during the 7th graduation ceremony, Odeo said that currently, universities are facing acute challenges in running and operations.
Odeo said that the University has been receiving funding but it was not enough to run its operations, saying that currently Kibabii is in a dire need of Ksh. 6 Million shillings to support the construction of the school of nursing complex.
Odeo applauded the government for injecting Ksh. 146 million that aided in the setting up of a modern sports complex and students center that have provided a conducive environment to excel in various activities.
The two facilities have helped Kibabii University students take part in games competition both locally and internationally.
However, Odeo noted that in an attempt to reduce costs and enhance quality of learning, the University has shifted common courses to online mode, adding that it is also contacting assessment tests.
Odeo said that the University is also in the process of acquiring a digital software to enhance online learning and teaching from external partners.
He said that the software will also help in administering online examinations.
“In near future, we are planning on how we can embrace online learning, partners can come on board and support us to get software,” Odeo noted.
He said that to prove quality education at Kibabii University, students from the University are undergoing further studies in top notch universities in USA, UK, China and Germany adding that the university has maintained the trench culture of research and innovation by participating in multi-disciplinary.
Odeo added that in 2015- 2023, the University presented 200 proposals for funding where 13 proposals won the donors attention and a funding of Ksh.352 million.
He said that the research contacted was in critical areas of; digital learning, smart agriculture, climate change and sustainable development.
Odeo said that in 7th graduation 1,113 students have graduated both in PhD’s, masters, bachelors, Diplomas and certificates adding that Kibabii University produces all rounded students who fit the job market.
The Principal Secretary for University Education and Research, Beatrice Inyangala said that the government is keen in supporting the Universities in Kenya to ensure that students are acquiring knowledge for the job market.
On his part National assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula noted that on Thursday, Cabinet Secretaries passed and approved 140 Billion funding from the British council that will be shared among six universities in Kenya purposely for the expansion of the academic facilities for innovation.
“We are encouraging our students to be innovative while in school, the government through its friendship with the British has received funding that will be injected to top notch universities to uplift innovation,” he said.
Further, Wetang’ula noted that the existence of Kibabii University has brought change in Bungoma.
