Varsities team backs bid to have college in Bomet town

The Commission for University Education on Sunday supported calls to establish a Sh500 million Moi University constituent college in Bomet town.

At the same time, it asked leaders from the region to stop politicking over the matter.

“Before a public university is established, there are many things that we look at. They include infrastructure, medical provision, quality schools for children of both teaching and non-teaching staff, housing and hostels for the students,” said Prof Wilson Langat, a member of the commission.

“Bomet Town has all these requirements. Local leaders should give the national government the blessings to set up the facility in the central business district,” he added.

The commissioner said the town was suitable for the establishment of the institution because of its “centrality”.

He said the argument that the land had been earmarked for a stadium should not be a big issue.

“After all, the stadium will be part of the acreage required for the university. It is, therefore, advantageous that the stadium is already in place,” he said.

Prof Langat said if leaders set aside politics over the matter, the government would start putting up the college without further delay.

Three weeks ago, Deputy President William Ruto ordered the institution be constructed in Bomet Town, with satellite campuses built elsewhere in the county.

President Uhuru Kenyatta later presented two title deeds to Bomet County Commissioner Bernard Leparmarai for the land on which the new college would be constructed.

This has, however, not gone down well with a section of leaders, including Governor Isaac Ruto, who have accused the State of unilaterally making the decision to set up the institution in Bomet Town.

Local MPs have insisted on the institution being located in the town.