Tags
Chancellor (education), Chuka, chuka university, Higher education, Kenya, Kibaki, Kiraitu Murungi, Margaret Kamar, Mwai Kibaki, Tharaka Nithi
Chuka University Attains Full University Status
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Erastus Njoka recieves the Mace, an instrument of Authority, when Chuka was Awarded charter to be a fully-fledged university. Photo, Courtesy
By David Muchui
It was pomp and color as the former Chuka University College was awarded a charter and other instruments of authority to be the first fully-fledged University in the Mt Kenya East region.
During the occasion graced by top government officials led by President Mwai Kibaki, Chuka University became the 9th public university with Prof Kabiru Kinyanjui taking over as its first Chancellor while the former CEO Prof Erastus Njoka became the acting Vice Chancellor.
The Minister for Higher Education Prof Margaret Kamar challenged the residents of Chuka and other investors to take advantage of the university’s upgrade to set up hostels and other businesses in its environs so as to improve its capacity.
“The university council may not be able to set up all the required accommodation facilities for students. The development of the neighborhood of this university is in the hands of the residents. We urge you to put up hostels for the students,” Prof Kamar advised.
She noted that the residents of Tharaka Nithi County will be able to benefit from the institution through the set up of facilities in its environs besides accessing higher education.
In his speech, president Kibaki challenged students to pursue higher education to the highest level noting that an undergraduate degree is no longer a guarantee for a job.
“In our days, one degree was enough to make you a much sought after employee; this has changed in this progressive country. Those with first degrees should not boast of how learned they are when their level of education cannot even guarantee them employment in the competitive job market” Kibaki said.
The Head of state challenged institutions of higher learning to work towards producing patriots who are job creators to help the country attain the Vision 2030.
The Minister further lauded the efforts of those involved in the preparation of the institution through upgrade of facilities and programmes enabling it to meet charter award guidelines.
Various leaders from Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Meru Counties led by Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi were full of accolades for president Kibaki following the establishment of the university.
Said former Nithi MP Petkay Miriti, “I remember when I was an MP for Nithi we pestered the president to give us a university in this region and he promised to do that. We are grateful to president Kibaki because we now have a public university in Tharaka Nithi. We thank all who took part in ensuring that we have the first public university in this part of eastern.”
Expressing similar sentiments, area MP Kareke Mbiuki lauded the president’s legacy noting that Tharaka Nithi has got a share of Kibaki’s development record in Chuka University.
“We are now enjoying the fruits of our over 20 year dedication to you even when you were in opposition. We are glad that you have also directed that two technical institutes be established in Nithi and Tharaka. These institutions, which are the first in this county, will boost education for our people,” Kareke said.
The Minister for higher education further said that 15 constituent colleges will be upgraded to fully-fledged universities by March this year.
Other than Chuka University, others that have been awarded charters are Kimathi University and Kenya Polytechnic while Meru University College of Science and Technology is among those lined up for upgrade to full university status
ENDS