In a strategic effort to address the glaring absence of a university within its borders, Trans Nzoia County is now laying the groundwork for establishing its first higher education institution. On Monday, the County Assembly leadership, led by Speaker Andrew Wanyonyi, held a high-level meeting with a delegation from Bells University of Technology (Ota, Nigeria) to explore a formal partnership.

The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including Members of the County Assembly’s Education Committee chaired by Kapomboi MCA Kefa Were, aimed at crafting a clear roadmap for the university’s establishment.

🎓 Urgency & Commitment to Higher Education Access
Trans Nzoia County Executive for Education and Vocational Training, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, underscored the county’s readiness to realize this long-overdue initiative:

“The establishment of a university in Trans Nzoia County is long overdue. Our visit to Nigeria was fruitful, and the presence of the Bells University team here affirms their dedication to partner with us,” she said.

Mutama announced the formation of a specialized committee tasked with reviewing the technical and legal frameworks of both Kenya and Nigeria to streamline the process. The committee is expected to create a formal framework that will facilitate the institution’s development and ensure compliance with national education standards.

🗣️ County Leadership Speaks Out
Speaker Andrew Wanyonyi reiterated the county’s unwavering commitment to Governor George Natembeya’s vision of increasing local access to tertiary education.

“This initiative reflects the Governor’s pledge to make higher learning accessible to our youth. Beyond education, a university will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and position Trans Nzoia as a knowledge hub,” he said.

He also emphasized that, after careful consideration of multiple candidates, Bells University was identified as a suitable partner due to its academic pedigree and readiness to collaborate.

🌍 International Collaboration: A New Frontier
Bells University Vice Chancellor Professor Jeremiah Oludele Ojediran expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the project’s potential to drive socioeconomic transformation:

“We are excited to work with Trans Nzoia County. Education is a fundamental pillar of development, and we believe this university will empower youth, enhance innovation, and deepen cultural and academic exchange,” said Prof. Ojediran.

The partnership, once formalized, could see Bells University help set up academic structures, curriculum support, and institutional guidance for the new university.

👥 Stakeholders Present at the Meeting Included:

• Moses Lupao – Clerk, Trans Nzoia County Assembly
  
• Prof. Masibo Lumala – Chair, Trans Nzoia County University Taskforce
  
• Kennedy Etia’ng Seme – Chief Officer, Education
  
• Eliud Lusweti – Director, Vocational Training Centres
  
• Peter Omonya – Director, Early Childhood Education
  

🔍 Why This Matters:
Trans Nzoia is among the few counties in Kenya without either a public or private university. This partnership marks a pivotal step in changing that narrative, unlocking opportunities for thousands of students who would otherwise seek education far from home.

📌 Looking Ahead:
With political will, community support, and international partnership aligning, the dream of a university in Trans Nzoia is no longer distant. County officials affirmed that further stakeholder consultations, feasibility studies, and legal processes are already underway.

“We now call upon the entire County Assembly and stakeholders to join hands and make this vision a reality,” concluded Speaker Wanyonyi.