Mwingi upbeat as plans to set up varsity campus gathers pace

Mwingi professionals caucus is upbeat that the region is on the verge of getting its first ever university campus.

This is nearly eight years after the group donated land for the institution.

“We can now see light at the end of the tunnel. Signs are rife that the campus is coming after eight years since we donated land to South Eastern Kenya University,” said the professionals' coordinator Campbell Munyambu.

Last Monday, the university Vice Chancellor Douglas Shitanda visited the site of the proposed Seku campus.

Shitanda said construction will begin in two to three months time.

“The new VC came to kick start the project that has stalled since we handed over the  land in April 2016. The new VC has come as a saviour for the dream project,” Munyambu said.

He said the idea to set up a university to serve residents was hatched about 13 years ago.

Currently, residents pursuing education on a part-time basis have to travel about 100 km to attend classes at Seku, Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi campuses.

“Shitanda's visit has renewed hope that our people will access university education at reach,” Munyambu said.

Shitanda said his predecessor encountered some challenges that led to the delay of the project.

He said it is not okay to let the dream of Mwingi professionals go down the drain.

“I do not want to walk back on what was started. I want to ensure that it comes to fruition," Shitanda said.

He said an additional 20 acres is required to grow the campus to a fully fledged university.

“We will figure out if we have enough infrastructure that can help us have a campus. From there, we will build bit by bit until one day it becomes a fully fledged university,” Shitanda said.

Caucus chairman Mumo Kisau praised the move and promised to support the VC.

He said the development of the campus was long overdue.

“We want to assure you of our commitment to support you and ensure that your plans succeed,” Kisau said.