The Kiminini Member of Parliament (MP) Kakai Bisau has written to the Commission of University Education (CUE) seeking approval to partner with Egerton University in opening a constituent college in his constituency this year.
Even as the county government of Trans Nzoia under Governor George Natembeya struggles to sponsor another public university, MP Bisau’s has scored higher by striking a deal with the Nakuru-based Egerton University in bringing closer university education to Trans Nzoia residents and their neighbouring counties including Bungoma, Kakamega, West Pokot, Elgeiyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu.
In 2024, the Trans Nzoia County government appointed a task force headed by Prof Masibo Lumala to look into the viability of area having its public higher learning institution and entered in partnership with a Nigerian NGO Bell’s University of Technology to establish an agricultural-based college.
The two sides later agreed to start the college at the Bakhita grounds that were formerly owned by Moi University before the later withdrew from the site citing low enrollment of students.
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Since then, things went silent until MP Bisau rolled up the plan to jointly work with Egerton University in extending the agricultural training to Trans Nzoia County that has a rich potential of agri-business sector.
In writing to CUE, Bisau said the thirsty for university education for local learners can no longer wait as it has unfolded to become a necessity and reality in the economic-growth of the county.
During a consultative meeting with stakeholders between the management of Egerton University and the local leaders in Kiminini, the two sides agreed for the St Patrick’s Waitaluk Mixed Secondary to transition into the constituent college.
The Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage noted that the available 20 acres were enough for the first phase of the college but asked the community to secure more land as the institute advanced for more programmes.
Prof. Kibwage said the college would start offering programmes that required less capital such as humanities and arts before venturing into fully-fledged social-science subjects.
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The Egerton University boss said his institute was ready to constitute a technical committee to guide on the transition adding the community should be reciprocate by changing the local ecosystem to provide social amenities such as accommodation, transport and hospitality.
In reply, Bisau thanked the management of Egerton University of having accepted the request of Kiminini people to extend their training them. He lauded the management saying Egerton way one of the best run universities in the country in advocacy of governance structure, accountability and consistent performance.
In the deal, the university will provide technical, academic and mentorship as the local community support infrastructural development.
By Abisai Amugune
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