Rongo University, in partnership with Migori Teachers Training College (TTC), has announced the establishment of a new constituent college, marking a major milestone in its mission to expand access to higher education in the region.
Speaking during a consultative meeting that brought together members of Rongo University, Migori TTC and the public, chaired by Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara at the Migori TTC, it was proposed that with time, the TTC will be relocated to pave way for the expansion of the college.
Masara said that the TTC, which currently sits on a 13-acre piece of land adjacent to Migori town, will be relocated to Kwa-Suna West Sub-County on a 30-acre piece of land to enable Rongo University to take control of the TTC facilities.
He also disclosed that 90 acres in the Lichota area of Suna West Sub-County have been allocated for the construction of an education facility that can be utilized by Rongo University when it’s ready to set up an additional college.
Already, Suna West, a national government constituency development fund (NG-CDF), has allocated 13.5 million for the ongoing construction of six lecture halls at the TTC.
100 million has also been proposed for the construction of the TTC at the new location, and according to Masara, he will lobby for the construction of hostels through the affordable housing programme.
The MP, however, asked the Migori residents to embrace the institution to enable it to grow and provide higher education.
Rongo University Official Prof Wilson Otenga said that the constituent college has been operating since May this year with an enrollment of 55 students taking up various diploma and degree courses. New students will also join the institution this September, making it an important institution in Migori town.
Otenga emphasised that the expansion of the constituent college is aimed at increasing access to higher education for local communities.
He also disclosed that Rongo University has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Migori TTC to establish the constituent college on their premises.
The university official, however, noted that they will fully collaborate with TTC to ensure the relocation becomes a reality by giving the necessary support to the institution, which was started in 1981.
“This is an old institution that was started in 1981 and has served the public by preparing professional teachers serving the nation. We will not let it die but rather make it even better through the support of the Rongo University, National Government and NG-CDF”, said Prof Otenga.
Migori TTC Board of Management (BOM) Chairperson, Michael Ogutu, confirmed that the board had agreed to the transition on the condition that the teachers’ college remains operational at its new location.
Daves Odhiambo, a first-year student of Political Science at the college, expressed his joy, noting that the facility has enabled him to pursue his education, saving on his transport, time, as well as enabling him to work in Migori Town.
He welcomed the consultative talks of making the college a permanent institution at the Migori TTC. He also encouraged other students living within Migori town and its environs to join the institution to make the society a better place.
By Adika Jedidah and Makokha Khaoya
