By Calistus Imbayi
West Pokot County has initiated the process of putting up a fully-fledged University College at Keringet area within the outskirts of Kapenguria Township.
This comes after the county government in collaboration with Kisii University formed a task force that saw the university council and the County Government agree to setting up a constituent college of Kisii University which in three years’ time will be called Kapenguria University.
The first public university in the county will be constructed on 72. 6 acre chunk of land at Keringet and will play a role in giving a facelift to the county after the County Assembly passed a Bill on its establishment.
The Vice Chancelor Kisii University, Prof John Akama, chairman University council Dr. Euphrene Mukusila and the West Pokot County team led by the Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo met at Keringet where they toured the multi-million structure is situated.
The VC said they were impressed by the ability of the County Government of West Pokot to move with speed in engaging with education stakeholders and the National Government in setting up of the constituent college.
Prof Akama said that the students will be transferred soon to the institution and urged the County Governor to put the final touches on the structures and a perimeter wall at the institution.
“We encourage students to enroll even if they got a D plus they can do certificate, C for Diploma, C Plus for Degree. The University is first for Pokots, then for all Kenyans and the whole world. All menial jobs will be for locals and professionals will come from all over Kenya and the whole world”, he said.
The chairman of University council Dr. Euprene Mukisila said the institution is timely and the arid region of Pokot will be exploited in terms of research.
Governor Lonyangapuo said the Pokot community has hugely invested in education and that the retrogressive vices like cattle rustling have become a thing of the past.
He promised to ensure that all the requirements are met.
Lonyangapuo said up to now they have spent more than Sh300 million to set up the university and that the establishment of the institution is part of the County Government’s plan that will be an eye opener to the pastoralists.
