The
college, named after trade unionist Tom Mboya, commences classes with a student
population of 263.
The
institution's principal, Charles Ochola, said of the registered students, 193
students are Government-sponsored through the Higher Education Loans Board
(Helb), and remaining, 70, are self-sponsored.
"We
are proud that we have got students who are going to pioneer this college. The
only task we have is to work hard in our academic works to uplift the
reputation of this university," said Prof Ochola.
The
university will still operate as a constituent college of Maseno University.
County leaders led by Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, Education and ICT
Executive Naphtali Mattah and his chief officer, Eunice Owino, said the
university was a source of fortune for the county.
Mr.
Orata said Maseno University will manage the institution until it is able to
operate on its own as a fully-fledged university, adding that the county
government will continue to support it until it can fully stand on its own.
"Education
is the key to every aspect of development in the society. I am happy that our
efforts to have a university in Homa Bay have succeeded," said Orata.
He
expressed optimism that the university will enhance the county's economic
prosperity.
"My
appeal to Homa Bay residents is to support this university and view it as an
institution, which will transform economic growth of this county," said
Orata. Mr. Mattah said the university will help reduce financial flights to
other counties.
"We
have had many people going to Uganda but with this, our children are going to
learn here. All universities were started like this hence nobody should be
worried," said Mattah.
He
assured the students of plans to establish internet hotspots within the
institution to enhance learning and promote innovation among students.
Ms.
Owino expressed concern over shortage of higher institutions of learning in the
county, a situation she said, had deterred many from acquiring higher
education.
She
said the institution will enable the county get more professionals with
innovative minds that can enhance economic development.
"This
institution will also act as market for our agricultural produce and other
trade commodities hence it should be taken seriously by every stakeholder in
economic growth," said Ms. Owino.
The
university has three faculties; Agriculture and Food Security, Education
Science, and Economics and Business.
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