- Acting Kaimosi University Vice Chancellor, Peter Mwita, also advocates for enhanced funding from the exchequer to make this achievable.
- The Acting Vice Chancellor who took office recently said they are pushing for Health Sciences to act as a niche for the university.
A local university chief has said only through dynamic research and innovation can local universities prove themselves relevant in the fast-evolving 21st century.
Acting Kaimosi University Vice Chancellor, Peter Mwita, also advocates for enhanced funding from the exchequer to make this achievable.
"Research is a cost, it must itemized on priority funding areas and not be taken as a miscellaneous item. Research becomes effective when used to solve many of the problems that bedevil African countries," stated the University chief.
Mwita spoke exclusively to the Star at his office Friday morning.
"Without research, we will have no development in the nation. If we want that our nation to move forward then we must work on our innovative ideas," added Mwita.
The Acting Vice Chancellor who took office recently said they are pushing for Health Sciences to act as a niche for the university
“We are taking advantage of the community's historical cultural values. We are directing all energy towards putting up infrastructure for it, "he told the Star
He said the curriculum on clinical medicine is on course as well as introducing Medicine and Surgery.
He has already put in place mechanisms that can promote the institution's growth to meet the demands of the moment.
He assumed office in February 2024, as Acting Vice Chancellor.
He spoke on the need for a strategic plan and relevant policies that can invigorate and inject zest into the university's growth.
“We are keen on a five-year strategic plan into place, We are looking at a plan that encompasses creativity and innovation anchored on value for money," said Prof Mwita.
Currently, the University is putting up a perimeter wall and an ultra-modern library funded by the Government.
The wall is already at 11 per cent while the library is at 25 per cent completion.
Plans are also underway to recruit additional lecturers for the department.
Mwita said the additional plan involves engaging part of its plot for farming.
"We shall re-engineer dairy farming. Currently, we are doing 70 litres of milk per day. We want to increase production and create income income-generating enterprise. The department too needs to go deep into research to have modern farming practices.”
Currently, Kaimosi University has a student population of 4,750 students.
Mwita said they are targeting to scale up the enrollment to around 7000 by September.
"We have already forwarded a proposal to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Construction of hostel blocks. We are on the path to improving our infrastructure. We want to increase access to members of the public using appropriate technology, ” he said.
Additional plans to improve the university involve employing more lecturers.
There are about 70 teaching staff.
The University management has further put in place mechanisms for upward mobility payment of gratuity and jump-started the negotiation of the Local Bargaining Agreement.
In his parting shot, the Vice Chancellor says he has the strength and will to take Kaimosi Friends University to the next level.
The University’s Student Union Chairperson Imbaya Maasi says they appreciate the University’s management for the changes being implemented.
“We need relevant and quality education. There is a need to have a substantive Vice Chancellor, which is the only way we can inspire the student population. We need to join the circle of other Universities that are well established.”
Imbaya’s Vice Chairperson Lucy Mbugua says the University needs to check on the housing and improve its health facilities including putting up an equipped health centre.