CS Ogamba urges higher learning institutions to embrace innovation, generate own revenue

The Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has directed institutions of higher learning to embrace innovation and implement revenue-generating projects to sustain their operations.

Ogamba noted that amid financial strains, institutions should explore alternative sources of revenue to finance their activities.

The CS emphasized that financial constraints facing these institutions can be addressed through innovation and other income-generating ventures. He added that some institutions have the capacity to generate their own revenue to operate independently, rather than relying solely on funds from the national government.

“Institutions should not wait for money only from the national government. Many have the capacity to initiate income-generating projects that can help tackle their financial challenges,” he said.

Speaking in Kitale during a tree-planting campaign at KCC’s forest, Ogamba urged heads of technical institutions to think beyond capitation funding.

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He praised Kitale National Polytechnic for launching mechanical and hospitality enterprises that are helping the institution earn income to support its operations.

“I’m encouraged that Kitale National Polytechnic initiated a motor vehicle garage, which is helping the institution earn revenue from servicing public and private vehicles,” Ogamba said.

He added that the national government has rolled out programs to establish industries in technical institutions to enhance learners’ skills and produce a well-prepared future workforce.

“To scale up skills among learners, the government is facilitating the establishment of industries in all technical institutions, which will also create employment,” he said.

During the exercise, 5,000 tree seedlings were planted in an event spearheaded by students of Kitale National Polytechnic and Kitale School.

The CS was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Dr. Esther Mworia, MPs Dr. Robert Pokuse (Endebess) and Lilian Siyio (Women Representative), Trans-Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, and Kitale National Polytechnic Principal Dr. Tom Mulati.

BY JOHN ORONI