West Pokot County is finally on a new path in the area of higher education. Governor Simon Kachapin has set up a task force that will lead the way to bring about the county’s first public university something that many residents feel is long overdue.
On 24 October, Governor Kachapin issued a gazette notice stating that the task force will serve for 90 days, during which time it will explore the potential of having a constituent university in the region.
If the project succeeds, the university may be launched as early as next year, giving an opportunity to tens of thousands of youths from West Pokot and neighboring counties to pursue their studies within reach.
We wish to make it affordable for our youth to receive quality higher learning without having to travel a great distance. This university will become an innovation, research, and development pillar in our county,” said Governor Kachapin.
A constituent university is one that operates under a sponsor public university’s charter, allowing it to provide accredited programs and bestow recognized degrees.
The governor said the task force would consult with a wide constituency such as the Ministry of Education, partner institutions, development partners, and the local communities to lay the ground for the new institution.
The team shall be chaired by Joshua Kwonyike, while Rebecca Kide, County Executive Committee Member Education and Technical Training, serves as secretary. The remaining members include Julius Koring’ura, Elly Yaluk, Grace Amurle, Raymond Nyeris, Brian Mnangat Ptoton, Simon Tinga, Lydia Maket, Musaeh Akuto Kamarkor, Philip Sitte, Philomena Chenang’at, Fred Pown Achoke, Philip Magal (County Solicitor), and Philip Pkorir Puyaka.
Their main duty will be to determine a suitable location, survey current facilities, and create an in-depth concept paper and proposal of how the university will be affiliated, governed, and funded.
Upon the completion of their task, the task force will submit its final report and recommendations to the governor’s office within 90 days.
For West Pokot residents, the news has brought hope. Many are expecting the new university to open opportunities for students who have to battle with the expense of moving to far-off towns in their pursuit of a degree.
“This will change lives,” said a resident in Kapenguria. “Our children will at last have opportunities right here at home.”
If all goes well, West Pokot will be among the counties to have their own public universities a step seen as a great leap towards increased access to education and regional development.