Maseno: Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Julius Migos Ogamba, has called for accountability and transparency from all education officials regarding the funds disbursed by the government to public learning institutions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritize funding in the education sector as a foundational element for national development, highlighting the allocation of at least Sh144 billion to the State Department for Higher Education in the current financial year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Office of the Auditor-General released a report in July revealing significant gaps and irregularities in the disbursement of capitation funds to public schools, including payments to non-existent and defunct institutions. These discrepancies have led to a substantial Sh117 billion shortfall in funding over the past four financial years. Additionally, nearly 40 public universities in the country are burdened with a heavy debt totaling over Sh80 billion, with investigations underway to verify its authenticity.
The CS’s remarks were delivered in a speech by Principal Secretary (PS), the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, during Maseno University’s 25th Graduation ceremony, where over 5,600 graduates received degrees and diplomas. Ogamba urged the graduates to utilize their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society, challenge wrongdoings, and foster improvement.
Ogamba advised the graduates to embrace their potential, quoting George Eliot, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” indicating that their future is open to innovation and resilience. He emphasized the need for Kenya to cultivate problem-solvers, innovators, ethical leaders, and compassionate professionals to meet the demands of communities and the global landscape.
The CS also expressed gratitude to the lecturers and staff of Maseno University for their dedication, noting their commitment to dialogue and collaboration amid challenges such as labor tensions. This commitment was demonstrated when the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) signed a return-to-work agreement with the government on November 5, 2025, ending a 49-day lecturers’ strike.
Ogamba commended Maseno University for its strategic positioning within both national and global academic spheres. He highlighted the establishment of the School of Law and the School of Pharmacy as evidence of the university’s commitment to expanding professional training. He also praised Maseno’s integration of IT across all degree programs, preparing graduates to compete globally.
Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi, Maseno University Chancellor, affirmed the institution’s focus on high-profile programs such as Pharmacy and Law. He thanked the government and the Ministry of Education for their support, acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication of the academic fraternity and the families of graduates.
Nyabundi quoted Nelson Mandela, emphasizing that education is a powerful tool for change, and urged graduates to apply their knowledge effectively. He noted that over 8,500 first-year students chose Maseno University for its academic reputation, attributing its growth to significant investments in infrastructure and research funding.
He acknowledged the university’s challenges in receiving limited development funding but noted the progress made through commercial loans and concerted efforts by the university’s senate. This progress includes new hostels and amphitheaters, which have enhanced the institution’s appeal.
The acting Chancellor, Omollo Ongati, praised the university management for their resourcefulness and the visible development on campus.