The decision by the High Court to temporarily halt the construction of Nyamira University at Kiabonyoru Secondary School has been met with mixed reactions from residents in the county.
Supporters say that establishment of the visionary project, endorsed by President Ruto, will stimulate development of the area and region at large, attracting creation of social amenities, improvement of infrastructure and creation of employment.
Opposers lauded the Court’s decision, saying establishment of the institution at the said site was unlawful.
Their reviews come after the High Court sitting in Nyamira barred various respondents including the Commission of University Education (CUE) and the Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ministry of Education Julius Migos Ogamba from approving Kiabonyoru as the location for the university on Thursday.
“A temporary injunction is issued restraining the respondents from approving Kiabonyoru as the location for the seat of the proposed Nyamira University,” Lady Justice Okwany said.
Complainants drawn from Manga sub-county had moved to Court challenging the identified site, which they claimed was less suitable compared to other proposed sites.
The petitioners – Richard Kibagendi, Nemwel Nyandika, Joseph Nyamwaro, and Nelson Mageto – represented by Lawyer Wilkins Ochoki, requested Justice Winfridah Okwany of the Constitutional and Human Rights Commission to reverse the plans to start the university at the disputed site, which they said is tainted with corruption.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
New TVET college outshines veterans in Mt. Kenya region ball games
They sued the Commission for University Education (CUE), Education CS, the University of Eldoret, the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC), the Attorney General (AG), and North Mugirango MP, Joash Nyamoko, in whose constituency Kiabonyoru sits.
In sworn affidavits presented by Lawyer Ochoki, the petitioners sought the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to probe the Ksh100 million the government disbursed towards the establishment of a constituent college of the University of Eldoret at the same site but cannot be accounted for
Ochoki further argued that President Ruto’s declaration to establish the university at the site in question was null and void since only CUE is mandated by the University Act 2012 to declare the location of a university.
The petitioners want the university to be located in Manga sub-county, Kititu Masaba constituency where they said there is enough land for expansion, good road network, enough security and goodwill from residents.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
