Nyamira Residents Split on Proposed University Location
The proposal to establish the State University of Nyamira has sparked a heated debate among residents and leaders of Nyamira.
The controversy arose following President William Ruto’s recent announcement to set up the university in Kiabonyoru, located in North Mugirango Constituency.
The President’s decision, made during his visit to the region earlier this week, has led to accusations and disagreements among local leaders.
President Ruto’s endorsement of Kiabonyoru as the site for the university has been met with opposition from some leaders.
They believe that the Member of Parliament for the area, Joash Nyamoko, misled the President regarding the suitability of the location.
Several leaders began expressing their dissatisfaction just days after the President’s visit to the Gusii region.
Residents’ Concerns
Residents like Moses Mokaya have voiced their concerns, stating that there were ongoing consultations to determine the most appropriate location for the university.
They emphasized that no public participation had been conducted on the matter, and Mokaya suggested that the President may have been misinformed.
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The tension escalated when, during a public rally on Monday, President Ruto announced the establishment of the university in Nyamira.
He urged local leaders and residents to reach a consensus on the location. North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko highlighted that the 54 acres of land designated for the university had already seen some encroachers begin to demolish their houses.
Presidential Declaration
Under pressure from both residents and leaders, President Ruto declared that the university would be constructed in Kiabonyoru. He reassured that Kisii University officials would handle the remaining formalities to finalize the plan.
Some leaders have accused MP Joash Nyamoko, the only UDA member of parliament from the region, of leveraging his close relationship with the President to influence the decision.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo criticized Nyamoko for bypassing the formal process, suggesting that he jumped ahead of the technical board from Kisii University and the Commission for University Education.
A group of regional leaders believes that President Ruto acted prematurely on an issue that significantly impacts the governance of the area.
This sentiment arose after the President revealed that he had met with the area MP before his visit.
Residents like Robert Ongwano are questioning whether the people of Nyamira will have a say in the university’s final location.
Call for Unity Among Leaders
Another resident, George Ombane, stressed the importance of keeping the university within Nyamira, urging elected leaders to collaborate and agree on the location.
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West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka added that any decision made outside of the commission’s authority is illegitimate and would ultimately fail.
In a phone interview with Citizen TV, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko maintained that Kiabonyoru remains the best location for the university, and he reiterated that the President’s decision is final.
Nyamira Residents Split on Proposed University Location
