Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed institutions of higher learning to embrace innovation and establish income-generating projects to sustain their operations amid growing financial pressures.
Ogamba said institutions should explore alternative revenue streams instead of relying solely on funding from the national government.
According to the CS, financial challenges facing universities and technical institutions can be addressed through innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic income-generating ventures.
“Institutions should not wait only for money from the national government. Most of them have the capacity to initiate income-generating projects that can help tackle their financial challenges,” said Ogamba.
The CS spoke in Kitale during a tree-planting exercise held at Kenya Cooperative Creameries Forest, where he led institutions of higher learning in a campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
Ogamba challenged heads of technical institutions to think beyond government capitation and explore innovative ways to generate income.
He commended Kitale National Polytechnic for launching mechanical and hospitality enterprises that are helping the institution generate revenue to support its operations.
“I am encouraged that Kitale National Polytechnic has initiated a motor vehicle garage which is helping the institution earn revenue from servicing both public and private vehicles,” he said.
The Education CS also revealed that the government has rolled out programs aimed at establishing training industries in technical institutions across the country.
The initiative, he said, is intended to strengthen practical skills among learners and prepare them for the job market.
“To scale up skills among learners, the government is facilitating the establishment of industries in all technical institutions to enhance training and create employment opportunities,” Ogamba added.
The CS was accompanied by Esther Mworia, Robert Pukose, Lilian Siyoi, Gideon Oyagi, and Tom Mulati.
During the exercise, more than 5,000 tree seedlings were planted in an initiative spearheaded by students from Kitale National Polytechnic and Kitale School.
Ogamba defended the government’s economic transformation agenda, saying it would steer the country toward sustainable development and prosperity.
“The country is headed in the right direction. The transformative agenda championed by the government will help Kenya realize its dream of becoming a developed nation,” he said.
