Government gazettes Rongo University

By Kepher Otieno

The Government has finally gazetted the Rongo University College.The move follows request by area leaders led by Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno.

The Standard on Sunday learnt that President Kibaki endorsed the university on June 8, and it was gazetted on June 24, in the official Kenya Gazette.

Consequently, it replaces the current Moi Institute of Technology based in Kitere, and will be constituent college of Moi University.

On Saturday, Otieno said Moi University Council would appoint a principal.

This becomes the first university to be commissioned in Migori County and in the greater South Nyanza, with a population of about three million.

Otieno thanked the President and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for making it possible to have the university in the region.

The establishment of the university comes amid growing numbers of students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills at institutions of higher learning.

Maseno University has also opened a campus at Homa Hills in West Karachuonyo, about 20km off the Kendu Bay-Homa Bay road.

The campus, to admit first students in September, shall focus on agricultural, marine and geothermal studies.

"We are happy the two universities shall open up the region for greater development. This is a challenge to our people to take education seriously," Karachuonyo MP James Rege said.