Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha has invited top universities and colleges to build campuses in the region for easy access to tertiary education.
While other counties haveseveral universities and colleges, Lamu county does not have a single established institution of higher learning, apart from technical vocational training centres.
Twaha said his administration is laying a foundation for national universities and colleges to establish constituent campuses in the county.
The governor spoke during a prize giving ceremony at the Witu Mjini Secondary School on Tuesday.
The campuses will ensure Lamu students access quality tertiary education close to home.
“We want to have the likes of Nairobi, Moi, JKUAT and the rest setting up base here like they have done in other counties,” Twaha said.
Apart from boosting the education sector, the governor said the plan will equally help grow the county’s local economies as the presence of students will promote local businesses.
“Residents will rent out hostel to students, among other services, which are needed by learners, including eateries,” the governor said.
He further said interested universities could incorporate courses in maritime, tourism, fishing and Blue Economy and make use of the presence of related resources in the county to effectively teach learners.
During the event, more than 200 students, those who sat 2020 and 2021 KCSE exam, continuing students and teachers who performed well received gifts ranging from bicycles, suitcases, revision books and learning materials.
Twaha attributed incredible performances in schools in Lamu partly to the education financing programmes in the county.
"We have seen how the issuance of bursaries and scholarships to top performers and deserving students is helping to improve performances across the county while ensuring equitable access to education to all in Lamu," he said.
Also present were Lamu Education executive Paul Thairu and his Finance and Trade counterparts Abdu Godana and Dismas Mwasambu respectively.
Others include chief of staff Mohamed Bute and representatives from the education and security sectors.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
