By Achola Mathews
The National Government through the Ministry of Education will continue facilitating the growth of Public universities in Kenya towards developing research and technological Skills.
While addressing the 7th Graduation Ceremony at Kibabii university in Bungoma County, the Permanet Secretary In Charge of State Department of University Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala noted that in partnership with other ministries like ICT and Digital Economy, her office will ensure that universities get connected to Fibre Optic Cables to enhance lerning in the digital platforms.
PS Dr Inyangala used the occasion to note that the Government is still in consultations with various stakeholders including Universities Council’s and it has not yet received any recommendations on the issue of increasing Tuition Fees across public and private universities .
According to DR Inyangala, government will continue putting up elaborate measures of funding University education through an up-coming report from the Presidential Working party on Education formed by the President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, more so to secure the education of students from needy backgrounds.
She urged the graduands to uphold a high sense of discipline even as they pursue various opportunities in the job market as Kibabii university has prepared them Holistically to be future Leaders and generational change makers.
The Kibabii university Vice-Chancellor Prof Isaac odeo Ipara and the University Senate Council Chairman Dr Ernest Njoroge thanked the Ministry of Education for its continued support to the institution where of Kshs 2.2 Billion was pumped into its of Infrastructural development .
Prof Ipara said that the Kshs 156 Million towards the development and construction of the sports complex has played a pivotal role in sports nurturing amongst students.
Also present was the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon Moses Masika Wetangula who was honored with a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters who said that he is going to continue advocating for the expansion of Kibabii University to international standards.
Speaker Wetangula pointed out that already, Kibabii University is among six universities in Kenya which are going to benefit from a grant donation of Kshs 140 Billion towards improving innovation and other studies in fields such as health.
Dr John Oigara from Stanbic Bank who was also feted with a Honorary Degree promised to add a tune of Kshs 10 Million to go the endowement fund to increase its capitation to Kshs 20 Million to assist bright students from poor families to complete their university education through scholarships.
Oigara said that it is through both public and private partnerships that will ensure a smooth operation at the institution.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka said that his adminstration will ensure that graduands from Kibabii University greatly benefit in terms of attachment plus internship slots to develop their job market skills in order to be competitive.
Other leaders present were Busia Governor Hon Dr Paul Otuoma, Bungoma Deputy Governor Hon Pastor Jennipher Mbatiany, Kimilili MP Hon Didmus Barasa, John Makali of Kanduyi constituency, Hon John Waluke from Sirisia, Hon John Chikati from Tongaren, Hon Kakai Bissau, MP Kiminini Constituency in Transnzoia County, Hon Geofrey Mulanya, MP Nambale in Busia County, PS State department of Industrialization Dr John Mukhwana and PS in charge of Telecommunications and Broadcasting John Kisiangani.
The Leaders urged the National government to increase funding to the Higher loans Education Board (HELB) so as to benefit more students.
A total of 1,113 graduands were awarded with PhDs, Masters Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Post-Graduate Diplomas, Diplomas and Certificates.
The VC Prof therefore noted that the institution has so far seen about 8,000 learners graduate into the labour market.
