Politics and land scarcity threaten new universities
What you need to know:
- The affected institutions include Moi University’s Odera Akang’o Campus in Siaya; the proposed Nambale Campus, a constituent college of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology; and Sigor University in Bomet.
- According to the Commission for University Education, for an institution to be upgraded to university status, it should have 20 hectares.
- Nambale Learning Centre, a constituent college of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, requires at least 50 acres but currently sits on less than two.
Shortage of land and political fights have slowed the growth of new universities in Siaya, Bomet and Busia counties.
Whereas other constituent colleges have been upgraded to fully-fledged universities, some have failed to take off due to what leaders and principals of the institutions termed as inadequate land and vested political interests.
The affected institutions include Moi University’s Odera Akang’o Campus in Siaya; the proposed Nambale Campus, a constituent college of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology; and Sigor University in Bomet.
Prof Egara Kabaji, the deputy vice-chancellor in charge of Research and Extension at Masinde Muliro University yesterday said political interference and shortage of qualified staff and infrastructure were the main challenges facing the institutions.
Odera Akang’o Principal Joseph Rasowo said the institution could not be expanded because of land scarcity.
NO LAND
“We don’t have enough land to upgrade the institution to university status,” Prof Rasowo told the Nation on Tuesday.
The campus, previously a high school owned by historian Bethwel Ogot, was handed over to Moi University in 2011. It offers degrees in information technology, community health and business.
Siaya Woman Rep Christine Ombaka said she would convene a leaders’ meeting to look into ways of getting land for the campus.
“There is nothing going on to help the university,” said Dr Ombaka, a former Maseno University lecturer.
According to the Commission for University Education, for an institution to be upgraded to university status, it should have 20 hectares.
UPGARDE FAILED
The same situation bedevils Nambale Learning Centre in Busia. It was to be upgraded into a campus but that did not happen due to lack of land.
Nambale Learning Centre, a constituent college of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, requires at least 50 acres but currently sits on less than two.
The war of words between Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and some leaders threatens to derail the setting up of a university in the county.
Some MPs are opposed to construction of the Sh500 million campus in Sigor, the location favoured by Mr Ruto.
