NAIROBI COUNTY: The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has received Sh111 million grant from the Netherlands to enhance research in various projects including water management.
The university’s Vice Chancellor Francis Aduol said the grant was a result of enhanced collaboration with other institutions of higher learning and research.
The four-year grant has been awarded through the Netherlands initiative for capacity development in higher education for research and training in integrated water management.
“To cement our place in the training and research sector, the university has continued to attract some of the best talent in the market as it recruits various cadres of staff,” said Prof Aduol.
He spoke during a graduation ceremony where at least 3,100 students received various awards.
766 students graduated with degrees, 1,712 with diplomas and 622 were awarded certificates.
LARGEST SCHOOL
The university has the largest School of Engineering in the entire East Africa region producing hundreds of engineers and technologists every year.
Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi challenged technical universities to focus on providing technical training rather than providing too many courses that can also be offered in non-technical universities.
“We request you provide leadership in the education and training of high quality engineers and technologists as well other technical personnel to drive the economic development of the country,” said Prof Kaimenyi.
The CS said the Government is working hard to resolve the ongoing controversy over the non-recognition of some Engineering courses being offered by local universities.
He said they are working with the Engineering Board of Kenya, Commission for University Education and the relevant universities to find an amicable solution to the issue.
“It’s our desire to ensure high standards of education and training are maintained in the country. We urge the professional regulatory bodies to closely work with our institutions of higher learning so as not to be seen to be frustrating Kenyans pursuing various professional disciplines,” he said.
The University Council’s Chairman George Eshiwani said the institution is actively enrolling women and students from marginalised communities into the technical courses such as Engineering. He said such groups never had an opportunity in the past to study such courses.
“The council has a budget to support female students who are needy. We have also embraced affirmative action for persons with special needs,” he said.
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SALARY REVIEW
Prof Eshiwani revealed that the institutions’s staff will soon get a review of their salaries and allowances after the university concluded a collective bargaining agreement with the unions representing them. The CBA awaits approval by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
“As a university, we will not relent in making exemplary contribution to this ambitious but achievable programme of national development,” said Eshiwani.
The university’s Chancellor Manu Chandaria called on the Government to invest resources in the institution’s infrastructure to enable it train more students.
He called on the university to use public private partnership to help the development of such infrastructure as hostels.
TUK acquired a Charter from the Government to operate as a University two years ago after 50 years of being a polytechnic.
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