Kapenguria University College has moved a step closer to legal establishment following the handover of its preliminary technical inspection report, with an additional KSh500 million presidential commitment expected to support preparations for the institution.
The report was formally handed over by Commission for University Education (CUE) Chief Executive Officer Prof Mike Kuria to University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof John Demesi Mande and West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Education and Technical Training Rebecca Lotuliatum.
The development marks a critical stage in efforts to establish a university college that is expected to expand access to higher education in West Pokot County and the wider region.
According to Pokot Professionals Association chairman Fred Powon Achoke, the inspection report contains recommendations that must be implemented promptly to enable the institution to meet the outstanding technical requirements and pave the way for the legal order establishing the university college.
The preliminary inspection report does not, in itself, confer legal status on the proposed institution. Its recommendations must be addressed before CUE can complete the relevant regulatory assessment and the necessary legal establishment process can proceed.
The additional KSh500 million reportedly committed by President William Ruto during his public engagement in Kapenguria is expected to support the remaining preparations. However, the commitment will need to be translated into an approved and available allocation to support the required work.
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The Pokot Professionals Association says it has been central to the initiative, describing the proposed institution as a product of its collective vision to bring quality university education closer to communities in West Pokot and neighbouring areas.
Achoke commended the Commission for University Education for its regulatory role, the University of Nairobi for providing mentorship, and the West Pokot County Government for supporting the establishment process.
The next phase will require close coordination among the national government, the proposed university's mentorship institution, the county government and other stakeholders to address the inspection recommendations and complete the remaining establishment requirements.
Beyond the funding commitment and inspection milestone, the ultimate measure of progress will be the institution's readiness to admit students and deliver quality, accredited university education.
For West Pokot, the proposed university college represents an opportunity to widen access to higher education, strengthen local human-resource development and create new opportunities for future generations.
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