Chancellor vows to make university self-reliant

Graduands at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology yesterday. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Narendra Raval has vowed to turn Egerton University into a financially self-sustaining institution.

Speaking at the institution in Njoro when he presided over the 40th graduation ceremony for the first time since his appointment in January, the university’s new chancellor expressed his commitment to making it a model institution.

Raval said pledged to make the institution self-sustaining using his expertise in growing his multi-billion shilling business empire.

“As an entrepreneur, I will devote my energy and experience in the business front to make the institution self-sustainable. In five years, we will not need government funding. As an institution of higher learning, we must lead on this,” said Raval.

The philanthropist said the quality of university education has been facing a myriad of challenges with institutions grappling with low capitation from the national treasury.

“The government has allocated Sh116 billion for education. This is the only government in East Africa that spends such money on education. We must make these institutions independent,” said Raval.

He asked stakeholders to practice integrity and transparency in their roles to ensure the institution realises its dreams.

Raval said education was the biggest asset for the country to transform its various sectors and deliver Kenyans from poverty, disease and other challenges.

Meanwhile, 118 graduands were conferred with doctorate degrees as Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology yesterday.

The ceremony, presided over by Chancellor Joseph Mathu Ndung’u, brought together 3,345 graduands from different disciplines.

Prof Ndung’u said JKUAT had evolved into a formidable centre of excellence, producing top notch scholars and innovative students. Since January 2019, he said, JKUAT acquired 38 new intellectual property rights -- seven patents, one utility model, 26 trademarks, three copyrights and an industrial design.

He challenged county governments to make use of the innovations developed at JKUAT to spur socio-economic development.