KIBABII, BUNGOMA COUNTY. It was pomp and colour at Kibabii University as its long-awaited first graduation ceremony was eventually witnessed with thousands of Bungoma residents and leaders led by its chancellor who is also the head of state President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The ceremony that witnessed 742 graduants be crowned in various fields emerging with doctorates, masters, bachelors, diplomas and certificates was historic in its nature bearing in mind that Kibabii University is the only full-fledged university in Bungoma county after it was given a charter by president Kenyatta one year ago after operating under Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology as a constituent University for several years.
Speaking during the ceremony President Kenyatta said that the government shall live to its earlier commitment to have the University attain its desired infrastructure and other needs to have it stand on its own.
He said that after consultations with the management board and the University council it was established that the institution had numerous infrastructural shortcomings that need more money to complete construction of major buildings that are essential for a good learning environment for the students.
“We had made a commitment that we want to see this university complete so that we have a proper learning environment for all our students and towards that end after going through and having discussions with the management and the council, we have said that an additional Kshs 300 million be injected in this university to ensure that all the pending works are completed,” said President Kenyatta.
He noted that the move is to ensure a proper teaching environment in the university that can produce the quality and standards that Kenyans are desirous to see the university achieve.
Cautioned politicians flocking universities for quick certificates for political relevance
The head of state gave a strong warning to universities who are enrolling politicians for various courses despite their lack of qualification urging the ministry of education to take necessary disciplinary action against such institutions.
“I would like to say that I am aware that the political season is here with us again and I do know that politicians are running in our institutions to obtain papers in the shortest possible time,” said Kenyatta.
He noted that the ministry should ensure that all students admitted into programs must meet the minimum admission requirements and contact hours for teaching and warned that universities that shall violate the requirement should be dealt with according to the law.
“Any university found to be violating this requirement should be dealt with according to the law and the ministry of education must take strong steps to curb this malpractice,” added the President.
Kenyatta further urged the graduants to use the knowledge they have acquired in developing the country by putting the knowledge and skills they have acquired over the years at the University.
“I turn to you again the graduants and I want to remind you that this day is an important beacon in your life as it marks the departure from the comfort zones of your lecture rooms and entry into the world where your critical thinking capacity and problem-solving ability will be called to test,” said Kenyatta.
During the ceremony President Kenyatta presented the ISO certification certificate of Kibabii University to the Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Odeo Ipara.
Education cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi on his part acknowledged that Kibabii University had started on the right footing and was on the right track noting that its management was doing well.
He said that Kibabii University is among the universities in the country that are growing and emerging and started well and going places.
“We have critically looked at Kibaabii University amongst the universities that are growing and emerging in our country and it is so clear to us your Excellency that that this university started well and is going places,” said Matiangi.
He affirmed that the Kibabii university management is right and has made the right decisions over the recent times are sound and good and all governance institutions have been fully formed with the appointments of the leaders of the university.
The ceremony was attended by scholars, politicians and senior government officials from the national government including CS Eugene Wamalwa and CS Judy Wakhungu.
The political wing was led by Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula, Members of the national assembly Wafula Wamunyinyi of Kanduyi the hosting constituency, Dr. Chris Wamalwa of Kiminini, Malulu Injendi of Malava, John Waluke of Sirisia, James Lusweti of Kabuchai, Suleiman Murunga of Kimilili, Bornface Otsyula of Bumula and Dan Wanyama of Webuye West.
Others were Dr. Reginalda Wanyonyi of Bungoma County, Bernard Shinali of Ikolomani, Ben Washiali and Patrick Wangamati together with former MPs Wakoli Bifwoli, Raphael wanjala among others.
