The Government is committed to addressing the various challenges facing institutions of higher learning, including Universities, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has assured.
Ogamba, while speaking at the Machakos University 10th graduation ceremony, noted that it is the government’s goal to ensure all students pursue and complete their studies seamlessly without interruptions and unnecessary hiccups and in a sustainable manner.
He commended the University Staff Unions for agreeing to a labour settlement and calling off the strike that had destabilised higher education learning in public universities for over seven weeks.
“Enhancing education and training remains a key priority of the government from the lowest to highest level,” emphasised Ogamba.
The CS pointed out that in line with Article 53 of the Constitution, the government provides free and compulsory basic education that will reduce social inequality by providing a route out of poverty.
Consequently, he called upon the public universities to reposition themselves for sustainability through effective and efficient performance of their mandate and to be innovative in resource mobilisation strategy to minimise reliance on the exchequer.
“Both Public and Private Universities should harness their potential in research and innovation and position themselves for productive partnerships and generate output that is commercially viable,” affirmed the CS.
He noted that for universities to remain relevant, they have to align education and training with the demands of the job market and keep up with emerging technology.
“Education has to be socially relevant and grounded in our culture, while instilling strong national values such as integrity and patriotism,” added Ogamba.
Machakos University Chancellor Dr James Mworia said the University intend to empower the students by strengthening focus on science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, where they have built laboratories and digital hubs, to prepare the students to create jobs and not rely on employment.
“In the marketplace, your education must become a tool for creation to design solutions, build institutions and transform systems,” added Dr Mworia.
The event’s guest speaker, Peter Muthoka, urged the students to work harder, stressing Kenya currently needs new ideas, positive energy and innovations “whether as an engineer or teacher, scientist or entrepreneur” to move forward.
By Anne Kangero
