The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Higher Learning and Research, Beatrice Inyangala has expressed the government’s commitment to support Higher Learning institutions by providing the necessary support and cultivation of a conducive environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking and resilience.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at Alupe University, Inyangala observed that despite the challenges facing Education globally, Kenya government is committed to increasing funding for higher education.
“We recognize that modern facilities are essential for a rich learning experience and as we invest in expanding universities, we will ensure that students have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and recreational facilities,” she said.
She added that the government through the Affordable Housing Project will construct 2,000 hostels at Alupe University from December this year.
“The tender has been awarded and the hostels will be completed in time to provide suitable accommodation for all the students,’ she said.
The PS added that the investment will not only enhance the learning environment for students but also prepare the university to meet the growing demands for education in the country.
“In line with our commitment to improving educational resources, the construction of a new library at this institution is underway,” she said, adding that the infrastructure will provide a vital hub for research and studies,’ she said.
Inyangala noted that Alupe University has a theatre hall with a sitting capacity of 500 people through the support from the National Treasury.
“This facility provides a more open space for performance of lectures, ceremonies and various social and cultural activities,” she said
She commended Alupe University for expanding its academic programs to respond to the manpower needs of the country as enshrined in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“I want to thank Alupe University for contributing in various ways to our development priorities through housing, Agriculture, Small Medium and Micro Enterprises, the digital super highway and creative economy,’ she said adding that education is cross cutting.
The PS stated that all the programs offered at the University were competency-based education oriented, “This alignment is essential as it focuses on developing skills and competence that are vital in today’s workforce,” she said adding that, “introduction of new programs will ensure that the graduates are well prepared to meet the evolving needs of the economy,” she said.
Inyangala further said that the newly launched Alupe University Strategic Plan 2024-2028 will provide a roadmap to guide the university towards achieving excellence in education, research and community development.
“Our Ministry of Education regards this plan as a very significant milestone in your commitment in advancing access towards quality, relevant and affordable university education,” she said, noting that the vision of the University is clearly outlined in the strategic plan.
The PS at the same time stated that the government is increasing funding for universities through the new University funding model.
“Through this model, we aim at to meet parents and students at their point of need with government’s full commitment to support up to 95% of the cost of university programs so that students who qualify for any program will not be denied because of the cost,’’ she said adding that the president established the National Working Committee to rake in the views of the public and learners so that they can be served effectively.
Inyangala expressed confidence that the university funding model will serve the next student intake at their point of need.
“As a government we are also committed to creating an enabling environment for universities to diversify their funding needs so that they can augment the resources that are available from the National Treasury,” she said.
She urged the graduands to engage with the community and share their knowledge as they continue to pursue lifelong learning.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma promised to work closely with the University and ensure that floodlights are erected at the institution.
Otuoma added that his leadership will encourage and fund more local students to join the University.
The forum saw 600 students conferred with degrees and Diplomas alongside the installation of the institution’s first Chancellor Prof. Virginia Wamuyu Kimani.
By Salome Alwanda
