By Achola Bulimo Mathews
The Public University Management Councils have been urged to shun away from corruption, tribalism and nepotism in order for the University to continue prospering to greater heights.
Speaking during the sixth Kibabii University Graduation Ceremony in Bungoma County, representing it’s Chancellor His Execellency Hon Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Education Prof. George Magoha said Kibabii University is a National Institution which should be embraced by all Kenyans by not perceiving it as a western region institution.
Prof. Magoha noted that corruption is one of the menaces threatening most institutions of Higher Learning.
“If there is any issue regarding the management of Kibabii University, solve it amicably, internally amongst yourselves before the matter escalating to the public,” Prof Magoha reiterated.
The Cabinet Secretary used the occasion to challenge the County Government of Bungoma in partnership with sugar industries like Nzoia Sugar Company to partner with Kibabii University to conduct joint research and innovation plans so as to improve more on the success of the Sugar Industry for an economic revolution amongst farmers.
According to Prof. Magoha, through this research initiatives there can be a setup of Fertilizer production units which will ease the costs of agriculture products.
He cautioned the University Senate Council of the urge to setting up more campuses since it has caused many universities to go into financial crisis, adding that they need to do enough research and consultations with relevant stakeholders before the execution of the plan.
Prof Magoha called upon on all Political leaders to exihibit a high sense of political tolerance during this electioneering period so as to have a stable Kenya.
He noted on the National Government commitment through the Ministry of Education to ensuring that the Competency Based Curriculumn CBC is a success story by building more classrooms countrywide.
Magoha encouraged the graduands to go to the outside world to create jobs instead of looking for white collar jobs because there are lesser opportunities.
On his part, the Permanet Secretary in charge of University Education and Research Dr. Simon Nabukwesi said that government will continue pumping more resources in public universities so as to ensure that Kenyan university graduands can compete globally.
The Kibabii University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Odeo Ipara thanked the Chancellor of the Institution President H.E Uhuru Kenyatta for his continued support to the University, citing the Head of state personal contribution of Sh7 million towards the Students Endowment Fund to aid in Tuition fees and up-keep of bright students from poor backgrounds to continue with their education.
Prof Ipara who is serving his last second term as the Vice Chancellor at Kibabii University told the graduands to continue embracing a high sense of discipline in the community as they have been in school.
The VC hinted that the County Government of Bungoma has granted land of 100 acres to the university which would aid in future expansion.
He commended the Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha on his continued commitment to bring sanity and integrity in the Kenyan Examination System.
His sentiments were echoed by the Kibabii University Senate Management Council Chairman DR Ernest Mwangi Njoroge.
The Bungoma County Governor Hon. Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati thanked the National government for ensuring that it sets up Kibabii University which has and will continue to be a big investment opportunity to the area’s Business Opportunities such as small scale businesses, rreal estate, banking and hospitality sectors.
Governor Wangamti noted that his administration is working on setting up of a revolving fund at a tune of Sh100 million to help needy students pay for their University Education once it is approved by the County Assembly into Law so as to offset the burden from their parents just like the Higher Education Loans Board HELB.
During the event Governor Wangamati, was accompanied by the County Executive Member in charge of Education and Vocational Trainining Centres Dr. Betty Mayeku who presented a cheque worth Sh2 million for bursaries to students from Bungoma County studying at Kibabii University.
This year’s graduation saw a total of 1,542 students graduate with Degrees, Diplomas and Certificate Awards in various disciplines whereby 11 of them were Doctorates.
