Institute gets Sh140 million boost

By KEPHER OTIENO

Kisumu County

Ramogi Institute of Science and Technology (Riat) has received automotive equipment worth Sh140 million from The Netherlands.

The donation comes at a time the institution has embarked on a facelift through rapid expansion of its physical infrastructure to broaden its academic scope.

The principal, Jorim Guya, said donors have pledged support towards their ultimate aim of becoming the lead technology institution.

"Our primary aim is to expand into the most technologically advanced institute in East Africa," Guya told The Standard in his office.

He spoke as they received 11 containers of assorted engineering equipment from The Netherlands.

"We are grateful for the generous donations and exemplary mutual and bilateral relationship shown by The Netherlands," said Guya.

The equipment, he disclosed, would boost the students’ practical skills and entice them to engage in technological inventions.

The donation follows a recent visit of the US and Europe by Prime Minister Raila Odinga where he wooed multilateral donors to support Kenya. While in US in April, Raila signed an academic and development deal between Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Riat.

The institutions agreed to pair up to advance academic discourse aimed at tapping diverse experiences to aid local development.

Yesterday, the local contact person Peter Othengo disclosed they have forwarded the Sh11 billion proposal to the World Bank and other donors.

Othengo disclosed 11 students have been shortlisted for scholarship as the relationship between the twin institutions advances.

"This is good partnership and we expect more Kenyan students to benefit as Riat and Florida patent technological innovations," he said.

Guya also thanked the Government for contributing Sh42 million under the economic stimulus programme to upgrade the institution.