Mwai Kibaki urges counties, private investors to fund universities

Former President Mwai Kibaki has asked universities to embrace creativity to boost education standards.

He said innovation and aggressive research will prepare the youth for the globalised job market.

Speaking Friday during the 10th graduation ceremony at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Mmust), Kibaki said universities must train graduates who meet market demands.

“I urge the university to become more innovative in order to get adequate resources for infrastructure. The institution should offer training courses in research that will allow it compete well locally and globally,” he said.

Kibaki, who is the university’s chancellor, advised the graduates to effectively demonstrate skills learned and their area of specialisation in the job market. He also urged county governments to encourage private investors, financial institutions and stakeholders to support the education sector through funding and projects that spearhead growth.

More funding

“The university requires more lecturers and infrastructure. The county governments should put in place mechanisms that will attract funding and other specialised agencies that will create more opportunities for youth wishing to pursue high education,’’ he added.

Prof Fredrick Otieno, Mmust VC, said they are exploring ways of getting cash to expand its infrastructure and accommodate more students. “Our dream entails starting and establishing various school projects that will meet the needs of the county and improve the region,’’ he said.

He said Mmust is setting up mathematics and technical skills research centres to strengthen engineering courses. He also assured parents and guardians that the university would address issues of accreditation for engineering students in collaboration with the Engineering Board of Kenya.

“I wish to assure parents and guardians whose children are pursuing engineering programmes of our commitment to ensure accreditation issues are sorted out,” said Prof Otieno.

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya issued Sh10 million to facilitate construction of the anatomy laboratory for the school of medicine at the varsity. Oparanya lauded the university efforts in establishing the school of medicine, saying the students will play a critical role in the county’s health sector.

“I am optimistic in the next academic year the varsity will admit medicine students because proper infrastructure will be in place,’’ he said. More than 3,800 graduated.