Find creative ways to raise cash for varsities’ expansion: Kibaki
Former President Mwai Kibaki introduces Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi (center) to attendees of a burial ceremony of the late Anne Wakarima Wambugu, sister to Othaya MP Mary Wambui (left), at Gatugi village in Othaya on November 13, 2015. Mr Kibaki has urged public universities to improve their academic performance to world standards. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Kibaki, who is the Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, said universities should expand to cope with the large number of students seeking higher education.
- Vice-Chancellor Frederick Otieno said the third strategic plan for the university covering the period 2016 to 2020 would cost Sh12.5 billion.
Public universities should find innovative ways of raising funds for expansion, former President Mwai Kibaki has said.
He also urged the institutions to improve their academic performance to world standards.
Mr Kibaki, who is the Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, said universities should expand to cope with the large number of students seeking higher education.
He spoke during Masinde Muliro’s 10th graduation ceremony, in which 3,700 graduates received degrees, diplomas and certificates.
“The number of students at Masinde Muliro University has grown to 16,000. There is a need for more lecturers, lecture halls and laboratories,” said Mr Kibaki.
He said the institution should strive to provide access to quality and affordable education.
Vice-Chancellor Frederick Otieno said the third strategic plan for the university covering the period 2016 to 2020 would cost Sh12.5 billion.
Prof Otieno further said the university’s curriculum for engineering courses had been reviewed in line with the Engineering Board of Kenya requirements.
The chairman of the University Council, Dr David Nyamwaya, said Sh10 billion had been allocated to the institution for infrastructural development.
Dr Nyamwaya said it would include the construction of an engineering complex and an administration block.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who was represented by Mr David Watene, asked the management of the university to embrace global standards to be able to compete effectively.
He said universities should strive to align their academic programmes to international standards to able to produce graduates who would be able to compete for jobs globally.
He said the launch of the Open and Distance E-learning programmes at the university would increase opportunities for higher education.
