Elevate college to full university, urges Murang'a governor
What you need to know:
- He said other counties had more than two universities yet his area had no such facility despite being able to host such an institution.
- At the same time, the governor said that he has set aside Sh15 million to rehabilitate the Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine, believed to be the cradle land of the Agikuyu community.
Murang’a Governor Mr Mwangi wa Iria has called for the elevation of a local university college into a fully-fledged university.
The governor said that Murang’a University College (MRUC), a constituent college of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), should be upgraded so that it fully meets the education needs of the area.
He said other counties had more than two universities yet his area had no such facility despite being able to host such an institution.
“We are a fully-fledged county but we have no university and yet we have the capacity,” said Mr Iria.
Speaking Wednesday during the second inauguration of MRUC council, the governor also announced that his government would collaborate with the institution to launch a talent centre.
“We have dedicated some funds towards establishing a talent centre and we ask the university college to join hands with us,” said Mr Iria.
He also called for the promotion of other learning institutions in the area like Michuki Technical Training Institute and Murang’a Teachers Training college.
He said they would train more students in various fields.
SH15 MILLION FOR SHRINE
At the same time, the governor said that he has set aside Sh15 million to rehabilitate the Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine, believed to be the cradle land of the Agikuyu community.
He said he would partner with the university to rejuvenate the cultural site saying it was a huge tourist attraction but had remained neglected for years.
Mr Iria also called on investors to build more residential houses for the many students and staff members who would join the institution in future.
His sentiments were supported by Professor Mabel Imbuga, the JKUAT Vice Chancellor who said there was worry that future students in the Murang’a based institution might lack housing.
She promised that the institution which offers four degree courses for now may become fully fledged within the next one year.
She however asked the administration to ensure quality services and follow all necessary regulations for the institution to be elevated.
Dr Nyang’ate Areba who spoke on behalf of Education Secretary Professor Jacob Kaimenyi said the national government was committed to assisting upcoming universities.
He added that each of the 15 new universities was getting Sh188 million to help them catch up with older ones which have also been allocated Sh40 million each.
He said the government’s wish was to have universities in every corner of the country to foster national development.
The MRUC principal Professor Mary Walingo said the institution was focused on training students to be relevant in today’s world.