President Mwai Kibaki has reaffirmed the coalition governments commitment to equitable economic and social development of all regions in the country to empower Kenyans to build a peaceful united nation.
The President, who is the chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega , was speaking at the graduation square during the institution's third graduation ceremony where over 700 graduands were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates.
The Head of State encouraged Kenyans to work together and support the government initiatives in the national healing and reconciliation process so as to realize a cohesive, prosperous and technologically strong society.
President Kibaki at the same time challenged Universities to be in the forefront in the drive for national unity saying the government would continue to give priority to the process whenever citizens are faced with inter-social tensions.
"Indeed, our biggest obligation as Government is to transform our nation by empowering our people economically, technologically and culturally. Such a transformation will only be realized when we work together and support one another", the President said.
President Kibaki noted that a society empowered socially, economically and culturally would contribute positively towards national development.
The President said the government has implemented a wide range of measures including upgrading of tertiary institutions and university campuses to Constituent Colleges to streamline and expand University education.
"So far, the Government has upgraded 13 institutions into University Colleges. It is planned that the same will be full national public universities by 2012. More Universities are being established to ensure that an estimated 450,000 students will access university education by 2015" said the President
He however urged managers of public and private universities to ensure the necessary mechanisms were in place to ensure the improved access to university education do not compromise quality.
The Head of State urged Universities to always adopt positive approaches through dialogue and negotiations for amicable settlement of industrial disputes.
"I wish to commend members of staff in public universities, for the smooth settlement during the just concluded negotiations with their respective University Councils. It was gratifying to note the amicable conclusion of these negotiations that involved the three main unions" The President said.
With regard to equity, access and retention in tertiary education, President Kibaki noted with concern that poverty has impact negatively on higher education, with the situation being more acute among communities in the arid and semi arid districts, urban slums and the rural areas, where a significant number of Kenyans cannot afford the cost of tertiary education.
President Kibaki however said that the government has increased the university Loans scheme and scholarships under the Ministry of Higher Education to enable more students from poor backgrounds to access tertiary and university education.
"In the last financial year alone, the Ministry through the Higher Education Loans Board awarded 2.8 billion Shillings in loans and 82 million Shillings in bursaries to needy students in our universities" ,he said.
The President, who earlier commissioned the Ultra modern university Library, welcomed renowned peace maker Tecle Lorupe's decision to join Maside Muliro University of Science and Technology to pursue a three year Peace and Conflicts degree course.
The Head of State noted with gratitude that the Lorupe peace initiatives would go a long way in ensuring harmonious co-existence of the various communities.
On expansion of the Maside Muliro University , the President reaffirmed the government commitment to support the efforts to put up additional infrastructure to meet the increasing demand.
In this regard, the President promised that, proposals the University has developed for funding will be given priority by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology so that Engineering facilities are adequate to cater for all students pursuing engineering studies.
"This is crucial because engineering, I.C.T. and related disciplines are our cherished vehicles to move the country towards the attainment of the VISION TWENTY THIRTY" the Head of State said.
The President commended the Maside Muliro University Administration for the tremendous development achieved in the last three years.
He challenged the graduands to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired in the University to provide leadership in their areas of specialization and drive the various sectors on the road to realizing vision 2030.
"We are sending you out to the world as men and women of integrity, always grabbing the opportunity to help the country solve the challenges we face, be it in the field of engineering, education, science, technology or management, among others. It is with the firm conviction that you will live up to this call that I once again congratulate you for your newly acquired success" the President said.
On development in Western Region, the Head of State urged leaders to support government initiatives in encouraging commercial farming to produce enough food for domestic consumption and realize surplus for export.
"I urge the people of this Province to work harder in order to be self-sufficient in food production. Indeed, this Province has the potential to grow surplus food if farmers redouble their efforts and use modern methods of farming" noted the President.
On the ailing Pan African paper mills at Webuye, the President Kibaki affirmed that the government would ensure that the factory was revived to boost economic development of the region.
Welcoming the President, Minister for Higher Education Dr. Sally Kosgey assured Kenyans that Government would provide the necessary support and encouragement to universities to introduce new and relevant courses.
Dr. Kosgey said despite financial constraints, the government last year opened the higher education loans to students in private universities.
The Minister regretted that the high cost of electricity power was impacting negatively on the manufacturing sector and suggested that the country considers nuclear energy.
She challenged Universities in the Country to train Kenyans on Nuclear energy, saying the country lacked experts on that field.
Others who addressed the gathering included the deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and the vice chancellor Prof. Baraza Wangila.
In attendance were Cabinet Ministers Soita Sitanda, Wickliff Oparanya, Noah Wekesa, Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode among other invited guests, and also area MP Hon. Atanas Manyala Keya.
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