By Okong’o Oduya
Budalangi, Kenya: The journey toward establishing a university in Budalang’i, Busia County, gained momentum with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) and the Bunyala Community.
The agreement, witnessed by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, Budalang’i Member of Parliament Raphael Wanjala, and JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno among other prominent leaders, opens the door for the commencement of academic programs at Mundere campus in Bunyala North Ward. However, the campus will only be operational once renovation works are complete and necessary amenities are in place.
During a joint meeting held prior to the deal’s signing, Governor Otuoma addressed residents, emphasizing that the agreement’s inking represents a significant milestone in the academic journey towards expanding access to college and university education within Busia County.
He said investment in education is crucial for the region as it will help to realize nearly 100 percent of learners’ transition to universities.
“My government is already doing something at the very entry-level to ensure the retention of learners in schools through the school feeding program that is benefiting an estimated 46,290 learners in 460 Public Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers across the county,” he said.
He added that his administration separately supports education through the Busia County Support Scheme, which came into operation following the passing of the Busia County Support Scheme Act 2017.
“The scheme has various products that support education in the County, namely Bursary, Scholarship, HELB Loan, and Afya Elimu. The scheme is primarily aimed at supporting bright and vulnerable learners to access education and create a cohesive society.”
To this effect, the county boss directed his officers to ensure line departments facilitate the campus with an uninterrupted supply of water, install mass lighting, rehabilitate the road network leading to the campus, and work towards the upgrading of Port Victoria Hospital to Level 4 to support future programs on health.
“Similarly, as an affirmative gesture, we commit to give bursaries for top 100 bright students who are needy. We hope this institution will offer research opportunities to explore key sectors including blue economy, tourism, and agriculture among others,” he revealed.
MP Raphael Wanjala, the area’s representative, revealed that significant progress has been made in the National Government’s Affordable Housing Program, which includes plans to build a hostel with a capacity of 600 beds.
“We are more than ready to see this campus take off. The community here is excited and ready to support the institution to the best of their effort. As leaders we will also work round the clock to ensure we have good enrolment,” he said.
Professor Akuno, the Vice Chancellor of JOOUST, highlighted the institution’s emphasis on research, agriculture, blue economy, education, environment, health, and technology. She expressed optimism that the community would significantly benefit from the presence of the institution through the trickle-down effect it would generate.
“I want to assure the people of Bunyala that we are ready to start our academic programs here to make a difference in the community and the region on matters of literacy.”
The Budalang’i National Government Constituency Development Fund funded the construction of an administration building and two hostels on campus. Additionally, a disaster management and rescue center, a water reservoir, an ablution block, and a library (currently under construction) are available. Representatives from the Bunyala community, including leaders, Campus Board members, and residents, were also in attendance.
