County accused of delaying Sh100m varsity

Siaya county government has been criticised for delaying the opening a new university to be named after former US President Barack Obama.

The university project has been funded by the county government to the tune of Sh100 million, for renovation and purchase of land. The college is set to take over buildings at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC).

Yesterday, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Council Chairman Steven Loyatum asked Governor Cornell Rasanga to hasten the establishment of the university.

Prof Loyatum was speaking when he met Mr Rasanga at the county headquarters.

“We must ensure that the renovations are complete as soon possible. We need to have the campus opened to start having students. We will use the campus as a hub to create growth and development for our county,” said Loyatum.

County government officials told The Standard that the university would have its first intake in September this year.

But some residents have raised concerns on the constant changes of dates, claiming it may not start anytime soon following confusion in communication on the commencement of its first intake and the slow pace in renovations.

Last July, the then Education Executive Dorothy Owino announced that the university would have its first intake in September 2018.

“Let the university move from this billboard development to actual fruition. State-of-the-art infrastructure, research and innovations as well a prolific faculties drive universities,” said Mike Fwaya, a resident.

Another resident Kevin Ochieng claimed the county was not being sincere about when it will have the first intake.

“They started saying 'they are launching the university soon' two years ago and they keep postponing the date for intake. If the rehabilitation is dragging the launch of the campus, then the county must fund it,” added Ochieng