Residents of Trans Nzoia County actively participated in public forums organized by a newly formed taskforce seeking community input on the establishment of a university within the county. Governor George Natembeya’s administration spearheaded the initiative, receiving widespread endorsement from locals who anticipate significant social and economic benefits.
In Kwanza Sub County, residents lauded the governor’s decision to create the taskforce, expressing confidence that it would pave the way for the establishment of a local institution of higher learning. Patrick Simiyu, a resident of Kwanza, emphasized the university’s potential to unlock numerous economic and social opportunities for the county. He urged the taskforce to consider locating the university in Kwanza, highlighting the area’s abundance of government land and its history of neglect.
Similarly, residents of Endebess echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the wealth of resources in their region that could support the university’s development. They pointed to the Mt. Elgon forest and game park as potential assets for the institution’s academic programs. Furthermore, residents stressed the importance of government allocation of land for the public university.
Muhammad Wekesa, an Endebess resident, underscored the university’s potential to elevate educational standards within the county, enabling residents to pursue higher education without the need to travel long distances to neighboring counties. He lamented the years of missed opportunities due to limited access to higher learning institutions and proposed including unique programs such as engineering, alternative medicine, and agriculture in the university’s curriculum.
The taskforce, chaired by Professor Masibo Lumala of Moi University, comprises prominent figures including Prof. Battan Khaemba, Prof. Caleb Elung’ata, Dr. Hellen Yego (Vice Chairperson), Dr. David Wafula Lwangale, Mr. Hosea Sismat Chemche (Youth representative), Dr. Julie Magomere, Prof. Bulitia, Mr. Julius Kivase, Mr. Eliud Wakasiaka Mwichabe (secretary), and Mr. Alfred Mang’oli Namwitako. Professor Lumala urged residents to support Governor Natembeya’s vision, highlighting the university’s potential to usher in a new era of development for Trans Nzoia County.
