Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu has neutralised a row over the site of proposed Nyamira University that has caused divisions among area politicians.
Mr Machogu who was presiding over a fundraiser in aid of completion of the headquarters of Nyamira Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church told area politicians who were on a standoff over the actual location of proposed University in the county to leave that mandate solely to the Ministry of Education.
The Cabinet Secretary dismissed the politicians whom he said only wanted to serve their selfish interests by demanding that the university be set at each one’s electoral area.
It compelled the CS to call for further clarification over the matter about establishment and more especially the location of the institution, from Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi in whose hands the formation of the campus was bestowed.
Prof Ogechi said the task force that was mandated to undertake a feasibility survey on proposed sites will hand over their report today before setting up ground for the Commission for Higher Education to make further professional recommendations before the final endorsement of the possible location.
Machogu promised to apply Solomonic wisdom in solving the Nyamira university issue.
“We want this issue to come to a rest once and for all. I have realised every leader is pulling towards his side but I request you to allow me to apply solomonic wisdom to fully resolve this matter,” Machogu appealed.
The CS called upon all leaders in Nyamira to remain calm and give him time to take appropriate action in determining where the University will be situated with the support from the professional bodies.
West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka and his North Mugirango Counterpart Joash Nyamoko who had publicly disagreed over the matter pledged they will agree with what the CS and the Commission for Higher Education will determine.
Stephen Mogaka commented that the learning institution will help their town and County to grow and as leaders they should support the professionals mandated with the task, give them ample time to give timely feedback so that the university is started as early as now.
Nyamira County Assembly speaker Enock Okero while speaking warned leaders against making pronouncements to members of the public which will bring a lot of unnecessary tension
“We have heard some leaders announce to their electorates that they have met with the President who has promised to institute the proposed Nyamira University at a particular site, misleading pronouncements which have started dividing electorates. Let us give the relevant and authorised government organs time to guide us accordingly over this important institution,” Speaker Okero urged.
Other Guests present were Nyamira Woman MP Jerusha Momanyi, Nominated Member of Parliament Irene Mayaka including local county political leaders amongst others.
The issue of proposed Nyamira university has for months caused confusion but with Machogu declaring the directive, it has cleared the tiff amongst leaders and their electorates.
By Deborah Bochere
