By John Ochieng
Leaders from Nyanza region have been advised to concentrate on the modalities of reclaiming the lost education glory in the region.
The region lost its education glory when leaders from the region ignored to uplift the education standards in schools.
ODM chair, who is also the Suba South Member of Parliament, Hon. John Mbadi called on elected leaders to concentrate on uplifting the living standards of their constituents through education by providing the relevant required facilities in schools.
‘Provision of such facilities will enable learners to concentrate and compete favorably with students from other regions,’ he said.
He told the elders from the region that their track records will speak for them during the next general election.
His sentiments were echoed by Migori county senator Dr. Ochilo Ayacko, who urged locals to focus on education to ensure learners are well prepared to realize their dreams.
‘As leaders, we should work together to ensure that the education standards in the region are uplifted to enable learners pursue their dreams,’ he pointed out.
Ayacko, who will be vying for the county’s gubernatorial position, said that once elected into office, he will ensure learners in higher learning institutions are supported through bursaries.
Speaking during the official opening of Rongo University branch in Macalder in Nyatike constituency, Ayacko applauded the locals for electing a Member of Parliament who has the interest of their children at heart.
The university branch was constructed by the Nyatike National Government Constituency Development Fund.
Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege pledged to give bursaries to teachers from his constituency who will undertake the TPD retraining.
Odege added that as a result of the economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, teachers need any available assistance to shoulder the cost of training as has been directed by the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC).
Rongo University Vice Chancellor Prof Samuel Gudu hailed the area MP Tom Odege for prioritizing education.
He challenged other leaders to emulate the legislator’s initiative and thanked the
Nyatike Community Development Initiative (NYACODI) for persuading residents to donate land for the construction of the higher learning institution which will enable people from the area to venture into income generating activities.
The residents donated 59 acres of land.
Prof. Gudu challenged politicians to avoid politicking education programs and initiatives and encouraged parents to invest heavily on quality education.
The VC added that the institution will consult with other development partners to contribute towards ensuring the provision of quality education so as to attract more learners into the institution.
He added that the institution has qualified teachers who will offer quality education to the learners.
Residents of Nyatike said the initiative that resulted to construction of the Macalder college campus was to ensure learners from the community whose parents are not able to raise fees required by well-established learning institutions in far areas seek admission at the Nyatike campus.
NYACODI welcomed the idea and pledged to fully support the institution.
Rongo University was granted charter by President Uhuru Kenyatta in October 2016 and the move has created an ever increasing demand for learners pursuing research courses.
