The Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) and Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) have separately announced plans to establish campuses in Hola town, the administrative headquarters of Tana River County.
The two institutions: GLUK a private chartered university, and KeMU a private chartered Christian university, received letters of allotment to build campuses in the county, marking a significant milestone in bringing higher education closer to the county residents.
According to both GLUK and KeMU, they seek to address the evolving landscape of higher education by exploring avenues such as education partnerships and the establishment of distance learning centers.
The campuses are expected to boost education and infrastructure in Tana River County.
“These institutions focus on increasing access and quality education fostering skills acquisition and enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Tana River County.”
GLUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hazel Mumbo and KeMU Mombasa campus Director Rev. Dr. Justus Bundi announced that plans are underway for their respective institutions of higher learning to open campuses in Hola town.
They thanked the Tana River County government for welcoming them to Hola town, where the devolved government is facilitating the acquisition of land.
GLUK, whose main campus is in the lakeside city of Kisumu, will set up its campus next to the Ministry of Information Offices and Teachers Advisory Centre in Hola town.
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Governor Maj (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana, who received the visiting teams, said the two institutions are set to become the only universities to open campuses in Hola town.
Governor Godhana assured the two universities that Tana River was safe for investment and that they should go ahead with the projects of opening campuses.
“This is a dream come true and we are delighted to welcome the two institutions of higher learning to set up camp in Hola,” he said, adding that the move will allow more youth to seek further studies locally.
He said the move is a significant stride towards expanding higher education accessibility in Tana River County, which only hosts the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) as the other institution of higher learning.
The Governor praised the success of KMTC Hola, noting how medical interns have become an integral part of the Hola county referral hospital.
Godhana said the partnership with GLUK also includes the development of a Level 5 referral hospital for Tana River and other infrastructural developments.
“We chose to open a campus in Hola town because Tana River has long been marginalised,” said Prof. Mumbo, highlighting the crucial role of education investment in national development.
Mumbo said GLUK will offer certificate, diploma and degree programmes in nursing and education as well as short courses in diverse academic fields.
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“We chose to open a campus in Tana River because it has long been marginalized. Our research indicates that since 2019, people from this county have seriously embraced higher education,” said Prof. Mumbo.
She said GLUK is establishing its first campus in Hola to expand access to higher education focusing on education and medical courses.
“We shall offer regular classes as well as distance learning to accommodate the diverse needs of prospective students,” she said.
On his part, Rev. Dr. Justus Bundi said initially the KeMU campus will roll out Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes that include community health, agriculture and computer studies.
He said the KeMU programmes to be offered in campus will bring a new horizon in the higher education sector.
The university’s representatives said KeMU’s strategic partnership with the county would be mutually beneficial. He said KeMU will focus on practical skills and increase access to higher education.
“This alliance with the county promises to empower the local youth as economic drivers, arming them with the digital tools to solve local problems with global solutions,” he said.
“Through these programmes, students will have the opportunity to enrol in certificate and diploma courses equipping them with hands-on skills for the job market,” he said.
He added that the TVET classes initiative is set to empower young people with relevant competencies and open up new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship that will contribute to sustainable community development.
By Juma Ndigo
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