Public Universities in the country have been urged to look for alternative source of funds instead of relying on governments funds for their infrastructural development.
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi said that the government would not fully fund the institutions to meet their demands as its budget was limited.
Prof. Kaimenyi said instead, universities should explore other ways of investing so that they could earn revenue from it and supplement what they were being offered by the government.
“The government is fully aware of the challenges the universities are facing in terms of inadequate infrastructure and reduced funding from the government. This makes it even more urgent for institutions to embrace Public Private Partnership (PPP) especially student accommodation”. He said adding that, “I am therefore challenging our university council which are the governing organs to be more proactive in resource mobilsation and management.
The C.S noted that this would ensure smooth learning of the institutions of higher learning since the government had financed their foundation.
The directive was contained in a statement read on his behalf by the Assistant Director of higher learning Milton Njuki during the first graduation of Laikipia University in Nyahururu.
The cabinet secretary encouraged the universities to also consider putting up more funds in research and developing technology.
This way, he said would make sure that the institutions of higher learning produce skilled human resource.
“If we have to make Kenya a middle level economy by the year 2030, then science, Technology and innovation must take the center stage. I appeal the management of universities to critically consider having relevant basic and applied research in order to meet the requirements of the nation,: he said.
Kaimenyi lauded the University for its effort to put up a five billion sports complex by the end of next year.
He said that this would help tap the talents of many youths living in the country.
Former M.Ps Ndiritu Muriithi and Jeremiah Kioni who attended the ceremony termed the graduation as a milestone towards improving the education of the people living around Laikipia.
‘This is a time that we have been waiting for and we are glad that our children have a university that they can be proud of. It will play a key role in improving education,” said Ndiritu.
Some 800 students were conferred with degrees and diplomas.