Kibabii University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Ipara Odeo today led a delegation of University Management for a consultative meeting with Bungoma County Governor H.E. Governor Kenneth Lusaka. This was the first visit since being elected into office in August 2022 elections. The visit brought into fore discussions on major areas of partnership between the two institutions.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the 10-year journey the University had walked, notable being the increase in population from the initial 330 to the current over 8,500 students.
“The rising population has expanded opportunities in Bungoma with several business start-ups being witnessed within this period. However, the growth has also stretched the available resources; especially land, hindering our expansion agenda,” he said.
He also noted the vibrancy with which faculty, staff and students are undertaking in research and innovation activities. Currently, the University is collaborating with researchers from Norway in a project to grow mushrooms within Bungoma County. The project anticipates to apply modern technology in growing and commercialization of mushroom which one of the almost extinct nutritious food crop.
On his part, the Governor exuded his commitment to partner with the University in areas of agriculture, research and youth empowerment.
“Institutions of higher learning should be in the forefront of leading innovations that help the communities they live with, and because our people are largely farmers, we will appreciate research and innovations in that field,” said Lusaka.
He noted that most cities in the world had grown courtesy of universities, adding that the government was willing to partner with the University to sponsor jobless youths undergo short courses in agriculture, value addition, information technology, accounting and budget making. He said the program will also target Juakali artisans.
