Trans Nzoia County with a population of over 1 million people as per the 2022 data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) will soon get out of a list of the 17 Counties in Kenya that lack a Public University.
This follows the handing over of a Taskforce Report on the establishment of a Public University in Trans Nzoia County. Bungoma-based Kibabii University will mentor the proposed University of Kitale.
Governor George Natembeya established the twelve-member task force in April 2024. Prof. Lumala Masibo, a Moi University don, chaired the task force with Dr. Hellen Yego, a lecturer at Kabianga University as his vice while the late Wakasiaka Eliud Mwichabe served as the Secretary.
Other members are Alfred M. Namwetako, Dr. David Wafula Lwangale, Dr. Julie Makomere, Prof. Battan Khaemba, Rose Nekesa Mambili, Prof. Caleb James Elungat, Prof. Buliltia Godrick Matthews, Julius Kivaze and Hosea Sismat Chemche.
Speaking during the handover of the 88-page report, Prof. Masibo said having a Public University in Trans Nzoia County is long overdue.
He revealed that the people of Trans Nzoia gave them a resounding yes during their public participation.
“This initiative was indeed long overdue, as we established during public participation sessions. Indeed the stakeholders were willing to fundraise in support of the institution as a sign of their determination to have a University in the County,” Prof. Masibo said.
The task force that recommended the establishment of the University Implementation Committee within 2025 envisions the creation of a unique, self-sustaining and globally competitive university.
Where will the University of Kitale be located?
The proposed University of Kitale will be located at Kitale Level IV Hospital. The facility has already existing infrastructure and 57 acres of land.
“The proposed university will be guided by a strong focus on experiential learning with an emphasis on employability skills, interaction with communities through research and outreach activities and a focus on problem-solving,” he stated.
Governor George Natembeya said the establishment of a public university in Trans Nzoia was and is still part of his Ukombozi Agenda.
“I established this task force to carry out a Needs Assessment and recommend a way forward towards establishing a Public University in the County,” he said.
The County boss said his desire to have a public University around is informed by his understanding of the challenges students go through to access higher education.
“I note with concern that many students, especially those from poor families and County employees, dropped out of University after Kisii, Moi and Mount Kenya Universities closed their satellite campuses in Kitale town. Higher education has therefore been very expensive. A University in the County will make this possible,” Natembeya said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the initiative.
“As a County, we pledge to support the University into maturity in terms of finance, land and infrastructure. We are going to work with the National Government, all elected leaders from Trans Nzoia County and other stakeholders to make sure that the recommendations of the Taskforce are fully implemented,” he assured.
Impact of having a university in Trans Nzoia
Educationists led by Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) Trans Nzoia Branch Executive Secretary, Furaha Lusweti said the university will transform the lives and economy of Trans Nzoia residents.
His sentiments were echoed by Education and Vocational Training Executive Committee Member Janerose Mutama and Trans Nzoia Parents Association chairperson Wellington Waliaula.
