Higher Education PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala has pledged to ensure the elevation of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Butula Campus into a fully-fledged technical university, in line with laid-down regulations.
Speaking during the official handover of assets and title deeds to the management of MMUST at the Butula campus on Friday, Inyangala said the journey towards transforming the institution has already begun, noting that her office will prioritize the matter to ensure the dream of the local community is realized.
“To move this institution to the next phase, we require leadership that sees beyond today. We have listened to your needs, including the completion of key facilities like the library and your aspiration to transform it into a technical university, and I want to assure you that my office will take up these matters with urgency within the framework of the law,” she said.
The PS emphasized that the future of Kenya lies in skills-based education, innovation, and practical problem-solving, rather than overreliance on theoretical learning, adding that technical universities play a critical role in equipping young people with relevant skills needed in the modern job market.
“The future of our country will be built by young people who are not only seeking employment but are also capable of creating opportunities for others. That is why we must invest in institutions that promote technical skills, innovation and entrepreneurship,” she added.
Dr. Inyangala further challenged the university management to rise to the occasion by ensuring proper stewardship, transparency and accountability as they take over the institution and oversee its transition.
“As we receive this institution and its infrastructure, we must understand that what is being handed over is not just property, but also trust and expectations of the community. The people are looking up to us for visionary leadership, proper management, and tangible progress,” she said.
She also lauded leaders from Butula Sub-county for their commitment and long-standing vision of transforming the area through education.
The PS singled out former Butula MP Prof. Christine Mango as the pioneer of the idea, describing her as the vision bearer who laid the foundation for the institution further commended the current MP Joseph Oyula for his continued support through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), which has helped improve infrastructure at the campus.
Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) in the Office of the President, Arthur Osiya, echoed Inyangala’s sentiments, noting that the institution has strong ties with the local community, making it necessary for both leaders and the government to invest in its growth.
“The leaders from this region have consistently pushed for the realization of this vision that was initiated years ago. The community of Marachi in Butula Sub-county has been patiently waiting for this milestone, and it is only right that we support and nurture this institution,” he said.
Osiya added that elevating the campus into a fully-fledged technical university will open up new opportunities for development in the region, including improved infrastructure, increased economic activities, and job creation.
“In this county, we currently have only one university and this will become the second. We all understand the impact that comes with such an institution from better roads and housing to increased business opportunities. This campus already has adequate land and infrastructure, making it deserving of elevation,” he said.
On his part, Oyula described the handover of assets as a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving university status for the campus.
He revealed that the constituency had already handed over 25 acres of land to MMUST and is in the process of securing title deeds for an additional 34 acres.
“We have officially handed over 25 acres, and we are working on finalizing documentation for the remaining 34 acres. Once that is complete, we will also transfer it to MMUST. This is the foundation upon which the elevation process will be built,” he said.
The MP called on the local community to embrace education and support the institution, noting that many developed regions have achieved growth through investment in education.
“Many parts of this country have developed because they prioritized education, and we must do the same. We are hopeful that by September, we will begin receiving students directly into this campus, and we expect the community to welcome and support them,” he said.
Oyula further noted that the long-term goal is to transform the institution into a major economic hub that will drive growth in Butula and surrounding areas.
He pointed out that the presence of a technical university will not only benefit students but also create employment opportunities for local residents and stimulate business activities.
“This place is going to become a centre of economic transformation. Our youth will benefit through direct and indirect employment, businesses will thrive, and infrastructure will improve significantly.
As a leadership, we remain committed to supporting education by providing NG-CDF bursaries to students who will be studying here,” he added.
By Salome Alwanda & Rodgers Omondi
