- He was accompanied by PS State Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Education CS Machogu acknowledged that the current VC had gone through a rigorous process to qualify for that position and therefore, he was the best candidate for the post.
- He encouraged the students to always embrace good virtues, which will help them succeed in their endeavors after university education.
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the Education Cabinet Secretary, accompanied by his counterpart, Principal Secretary (PS) State Department of Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga, toured Kisii University.
“We are delighted as a university to host our education CS and PS Department of Housing in our institution, it’s a great honor,” Professor Nathan Ogechi, Vice Chancellor, Kisii University.
The visiting CS and PS were welcomed by Kisii University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nathan Ogechi. Mr. Machogu was delighted to be hosted at his home University for the very first time.
“I am happy to be here, and looking forward to lay foundation towards growing this university to a world class university,” Mr. Machogu said.
The CS also acknowledged that the current VC had gone through a rigorous process to qualify for that position and therefore, he was the best candidate for the post.
In his speech, the CS admitted that the infrastructure levels in the university need to be upgraded.
“After a short tour that I have taken around the university, I have seen that this great institution needs better labs, among other infrastructure, to create a better learning experience for learners.
Housing the students
It’s no secret that Kisii University has a deficit of hostels and also lacks modern hostels, which, over the years, has forced students to live in rentals, apartments, or private hostels away from school.
This whole situation has created high expenditure for students.
The education CS confirmed that the government is going to fund a modern hostel that could host 10,000 students to ease the cost students use to stay in the university.
“I am truly delighted to stand before you today to discuss a matter of great importance—equipping Kisii University with modern hostels to enhance the overall student experience. As we all know, a conducive living environment is crucial for academic success and personal growth,” Mr. Machogu shared.
From the housing ministry, Mr. Hinga confirmed that Kisii University will be the first to benefit from the affordable housing project that President William Ruto had initiated.
Speaking on the same, Mr. Hinga noted, “Modern hostels contribute significantly to the safety and security of our students. Upgrading our facilities to meet contemporary standards ensures that our students have a secure and comfortable place to reside during their academic journey.
This, in turn, creates a positive and conducive atmosphere that promotes learning and personal development.”
Mr. Hinga added that these modern hostels are equipped with the latest technologies that can enhance the overall living experience for students.
High-speed internet, smart security systems, and energy-efficient amenities are examples of how technology can transform traditional hostel living into a modern and dynamic environment.
By providing these resources, students are empowered to engage with their studies more efficiently and effectively.
Investing in modern hostels also aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability.
Incorporating eco-friendly features, such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving systems, and waste reduction initiatives, not only reduces the environmental impact but also instills a sense of responsibility and awareness among students.
The PS said that Kisii County has land shortage challenges, which affordable housing is set to deal with.
The PS also added that equipping Kisii University with modern hostels would be a strategic investment in students’ future.
It goes beyond providing shelter; it creates an environment that supports academic success, personal growth, and community engagement.
He urged the people to work together to ensure the university remains at the forefront of providing a holistic and enriching educational experience.
“This initiative is part of the process to bring back dignity to students in university and other tertiary inistitutions,” Mr. Hinga stated.
The university city
Mr. Hinga also hinted to the students about the government’s plan to build a city within the university, citing examples from Oxford and Manchester universities in England.
“We have identified an area around the University that we would like to build a city within the university and help Kisii to grow even further,” Mr. Hinga promised.
He added that the idea of a University City is not just about erecting buildings; it’s about building a thriving ecosystem that supports the academic, cultural, and social development of our students and the entire community.
“University City provides us with the opportunity to create a centralized hub for academic excellence. Imagine state-of-the-art lecture halls, cutting-edge research facilities, and collaborative spaces facilitating interdisciplinary studies.
By consolidating our resources in a centralized location, we can optimize the learning environment and provide our students unparalleled access to knowledge and expertise,” Mr. Hinga encouraged.
Student security and virtues
CS Machogu encouraged the students to always embrace good virtues, which will help them succeed in their endeavors after university education.
He also urged all stakeholders to join hands with Cabinet Secretary of Interior Security, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, to ensure that the learning institutions are safe places for the students.
“As young students, you should be hardworking and keep learning. After your undergraduate, it will be good for you to enroll for further studies,” Mr. Machogu advised.
Mr. Hinga commented on the same by adding that modern hostels will curb that aspect of security and safety.
Scholarships
During the event, the students asked the CS to comment on the new university funding system.
Machogu responded by encouraging the students that the new funding model is meant to help every learner to be in a position of being able to fund their education.
“The scholarships are designed in a way needy students get maximum financial support and that every student would be sponsored according to their level of financial need,” Mr. Machogu said on scholarships.
He added that the students will be given time to repay the loans, that’s after securing employment.
Other infrastructure
Mr. Machogu also promised that in due time, he would help the university to be equipped with modern labs.
“I am going to join hands with with other stakeholders to see in that the roads that lead to the university so that students are inhabited in the best environments,” he added.
See you soon
Mr. Machogu promised to attend the graduation that will be held on December 19, 2023, at the university grounds.
As they continue strategizing on a modern hostel, Machogu told the students that President Ruto will come for its groundbreaking early next year.
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Mr. Hinga and Mr. Machogu thanked the Kisii University fraternity for the warm welcome they showed them and encouraged them to team up with them by participating in nation-building ideas.
