Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has assured that his administration is keen on fast-tracking the upgrading of Eregi Teachers Training College into a fully-fledged university. The governor told stakeholders from the Idhako South community, who he hosted at his home in Harambee, Matungu Sub-County, that county and national governments were working together to that end, aiming to offer students within the region and its environs an opportunity to do more courses.
“This is among one of our ambitious development plans that Kakamega County aims to actualize and enroll more students in special courses,” Governor Barasa stated.
Task Force Recommendations
A task force appointed by the governor recommended the upgrading of ETTC into a constituent campus of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. This will be based in Ikolomani Sub-County where the college is currently hosted.
Additional Development Initiatives
Governor Barasa pointed out various important projects his administration had considered, including:
- Healthcare: Upgrading of Milimani and Imalava dispensaries to fully fledged health centers.
- Education: Sheywe Polytechnic fully equipped.
- Infrastructure: Lukose Bridge done and the gazettement of Imalaba Market.
- Market Deve-opment: A modern market in Shisejeri.
- Water Connectivity: In Butwehe, the last mile water project in areas such as Kaluni, Shan-hesto, and Madivini.
He was happy to assure members of the community that all those initiatives were towards better livelihoods and access to important services.
ETTC’s Potential as a University
The task team report revealed that indeed ETTC has enough infrastructure to enable its elevation with adequate land, classrooms, lecture theatres, staff quarters, toilets, laboratories and a capacity to admit initially up to 3,000 students.
Historical Background
Founded in 1949 by the Catholic Mill Hill Fathers, ETTC has had a long involvement in training teachers. The potential upgrade thus means consolidating the opportunity for education and promoting regional development.