Masinde Muliro University to set up campus in Turkana

From left: Masinde Muliro University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Egara Kabaji, who is also acting as the principal of Turkana University College, County Secretary Peter Eripete and Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok during the signing of an agreement to establish the university’s constituent college in Lodwar. PHOTO | SAMMY LUTTA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He informed the university’s administration that water from the Napuu aquifer will be pumped to the campus.
  • Prof Kabaji said the agreement will enable the university's administration to incorporate development programmes by the county.
  • Masinde Muliro has already been given a parcel of land at Nadapal for setting up a campus.

All is now set for the establishment of the first public university in Turkana County after Governor Josphat Nanok signed an agreement with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

On Wednesday, Governor Nanok inked a deal with the university’s top officials, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Egara Kabaji, who is also acting as the principal of the constituent college.

The governor urged the university to prioritise courses on dry-land farming, health and education, among others.

These areas, he said, are critical in the development of the arid and semi-arid region whose many residents are pastoralists.

LODWAR HOSPITAL INTERNSHIPS

He also expressed hope that an assessment of Lodwar County Referral Hospital as a centre for internships will enable the university to offer courses in health and medicine.

“We are focusing on [the] smooth establishment of the institution of higher learning through positive engagements to avoid conflict.

"However, I can assure you that there is goodwill from the people of Turkana and the county government,” Governor Nanok said.

He informed the university’s administration that water from the Napuu aquifer will be pumped to the campus to ensure adequate and reliable supply.

Masinde Muliro has already been given a parcel of land at Nadapal for setting up a campus.

Prof Kabaji said the agreement will allow the university's administration to incorporate development programmes by the county government in a strategic development plan that is being formulated.

He said the university had asked for the admission of 600 government-sponsored students to join the over 400 continuing students inherited from Mount Kenya University.