By John Mugendi
The upgrading of Tharaka University College to a full-fledged university will not only benefit the institution but also the surrounding areas.
So far, the institution which is few years old has impacted greatly on the economy of the semi-arid region with Gatunga, Marimanti and Nkondi markets hosting thousands of students, lecturers and other staff.
The university college is a project of President Uhuru Kenyatta and is one of his legacies in the region that had been sidelined in matters development since colonial government.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the institution last week, Principal Secretary State Department of University Education and Research, Simon Nabukwesi said the Ministry will recommend to the President Kenyatta it’s chartering soonest possible.
“This university college is more than ready for the upgrading to a fully-fledged university,” said Nabukwesi.
The PS applauded Chuka University Vice-Chancellor, Erastus Njoka for his great contribution to the rapid growth of the institution from a campus to a university college within few years.
Prof Njoka said for a whole year, the institution was not receiving money from the exchequer despite being promoted to a university college forcing the main campus to continue supporting it.
Tharaka University College principal, Prof Peter Muriungi said he will endeavor to ensure the institution scales up to higher heights.
He lauded Prof Njoka for the great support and asked the surrounding community to own the institution and continue embracing it.
