Former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has pledged to mobilize resources and rally national support for the establishment of an additional university in Siaya Town, saying the institution would play a key role in boosting the region’s economic growth.
Speaking during the launch of his senatorial bid in Alego Usonga Constituency, Rasanga expressed concern over the stalled plans to establish the proposed Barack Obama University in Siaya Town, blaming what he termed a lack of goodwill from the current leadership.
He argued that universities and other institutions of higher learning have the capacity to transform local economies, citing the growth of Bondo Town, which he attributed to the presence of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) and several other colleges.
“When I was Governor of Siaya, and with the support of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, we had completed all the necessary arrangements to establish the Barack Obama University. The aim was to improve the economic status of Siaya Town. We had secured adequate land and reached an agreement with JOOUST to mentor the new institution through the establishment of faculties,” said Rasanga.
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The former governor said his election as Senator would enable him to lobby for national government support towards higher education development in the county.
He also pledged to push for the elevation of the Odera Akang’o University Campus in Yala into a fully chartered university.
Rasanga further outlined plans to champion amendments to procurement laws to increase the share of county government tenders reserved for youth, women and persons living with disabilities from the current 30 percent to 45 percent.
“The current provision is not adequate considering the large population of youth, women and persons living with disabilities in the country. Increasing the allocation will enhance economic empowerment and create more opportunities for these groups,” he said.
By Erick Nyayiera
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