Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has urged county leaders to support a task force report on the establishment of the County University.
Speaking at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Baringo Branch Showgrounds during Jamhuri Day celebrations, Cheboi said the report of the task force that he formed is ready and has recommended the university be established at the county headquarters in Kabarnet.
The County boss urged the six members of parliament (MPs) from the county who have been vocal about the matter to put to rest their varied opinions and support the decision by the task force.
“All I am asking our leaders from the national government is that since President William Ruto himself told us to agree on the location of the university, let us support the idea and not drag the issue further,” said Governor Cheboi.
He said that the university will be built in honour of the second President, Daniel Arap Moi, who indiscriminately established universities across the country and left out his home county for other leaders to fulfil his dream.
County Assembly Speaker Vincent Kemboi said the issue of the university, which has been unresolved since 2013, rests on the shoulders of the governor, and it will be his legacy if he delivers an institution of higher learning for residents.
He argued that Baringo Central, for a very long time, has proven that it can accommodate all people from all walks of life and that it is fit to host the university.
County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa stated in his remarks that universities can contribute to the economic growth of the county, urging local leaders to set aside their selfish interests and support any decision agreed upon by a majority of residents.
“As leaders, we need to take this thing very seriously, and if possible, the governor needs to convene a meeting in January next year to give the exact position so that we can speak in one voice,” he said.
He noted that when leaders are not united on the issue of the university, the brilliant idea will fail, yet it is something that Baringo desperately needs to nurture skills and provide opportunities to residents.
The 11-member task force was chaired by university Don Prof. Chebutuk Rotich, who was appointed by Governor Cheboi in 2022 and released their recommendations to the governor this year.
A football tournament final was the climax of the celebration, where Ptikii FC from Tiaty Constituency won the 1st edition of the Governor Cheboi Super Cup by beating Chemogoch from Mogotio 4-3 in a post-match penalty shootout.
The well-attended tournament finals were postponed for about two weeks following a dispute launched by Baringo Youth, who later settled for position four after they were defeated by Kabartonjo Sharks by a solitary goal in the playoff encounter.
The winner walked away with a 1-million-shilling cash prize and a trophy and will proceed to West Pokot County to represent Baringo in the North Rift Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen (OKM) peace cup alongside Kabarnet rising starlets who won the girls category.
Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who graced the occasion, said they are bringing youth together to end insecurity in the North Rift Region through the soccer tournament.
“In January, we are going to select 10 students from each warring community and offer them secondary school scholarships through the OKM Foundation. We believe that when they school together, these youths will end insecurity in their homes,” said the minister.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
