Kisumu: Kisumu County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya Utalii College to establish a new campus at the Kanyakwar Cultural Centre in Kisumu West Sub-County. Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, who presided over the signing ceremony alongside Utalii College Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Rachuonyo Ogendi and Board Chairperson David Wamatsi, said the move will give residents access to the same high-level training offered at the Nairobi campus without the need to travel.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is part of the county's commitment to boosting education, creating jobs, and growing the local economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality industries. Under the agreement, Kenya Utalii College will refurbish all existing buildings and structures at the Kanyakwar Cultural Centre to meet modern tertiary education standards.
The institution will also equip infrastructure, improve sanitation, manage operations, and assume liability for any damages. In turn, Kisumu County will provide the premises, assist the institution in securing necessary permits and approvals from relevant agencies, and guarantee security for the campus, staff, students, and assets by integrating the centre into the county's patrol framework.
The two parties will form a Joint Implementation Committee to oversee the MoU's execution, market and promote the college, and hold biannual review meetings to assess progress and impact. The MoU signing was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Ochieng' Owili, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education John Awiti, and other senior officials.