Morendat Institute of Gas and Oil has signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkana University College that paves way for the introduction of a diploma course in oil and gas economics.
Speaking at Turkana University College in Lodwar, Morendat Institute of Gas and Oil Director Dr. Jonah Aiyabei said the inaugural course in oil and gas will commence in September at the institute’s Eldoret branch.
“The course is tailored to be hands-on with direct relation to the economy and not just a theoretical course,” said Aiyabei.
He added that the institute has started receiving applications from students and expressed optimism that it would attract a substantial number of applicants.
The Director said the faculty members from the institute and Turkana University College and other resource persons will be involved in training the students.
Morendat institute of oil and gas is the only institute that offers oil and gas courses in the country.
Turkana County shot to the international limelight in 2012 when the government announced that it had discovered oil in the county.
The discovery has spurred economic growth in the county that has led to establishment of institutions of higher learning, growth of the hospitality industry as well as the transport sector. Devolution has also been a game changer in the once marginalised region.
On Tuesday, the university and the institute held its inaugural public lecture delivered by Dr. Aiyabei at the varsity courtesy of the School of Business.
The topic of the lecture was “Connecting the Power of Finance Mobilisation for Sustainable Future in Eastern Africa.” Dr. Aiyabei discussed how to mobilise finance to grow the economy in the region.
“The lecture was very successful and thought provoking and I believe it set the bar on the many engagements we shall be having with members of the faculty and students of this university,” said Dr. Aiyabei.
Turkana University College acting Deputy Principal in charge of Academic and Students Affairs Prof. Clifford Machogu, said the new programme is critical to the development of human resource capacity in the oil and gas field.
“The programme will go a long way in bringing out man power that will be useful to the economy and the region,” said Prof. Machogu.
He added that the Managing Director of Morendat Institute Dr. Macharia Irungu and the board were in full support of the collaboration between the two institutions.
By Peter Gitonga
