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{
    "id": 1143203,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1143203/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 37,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kilifi North, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Owen Baya",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13373,
        "legal_name": "Owen Yaa Baya",
        "slug": "owen-yaa-baya"
    },
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, I would like to say that this Petition actually makes some sense. It would help grow universities by leaps and bounds if we allowed the alumni to actively participate in universities. I am an alumnus of Kenyatta University for both my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. They know I am an MP but they have never tried to consult me or even invite me. I once tried to enter the gates there and said I wanted to pay a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor, but they stopped me at the gate. They did not know how important an alumnus is, not just an alumnus but an alumnus who is an MP. When Kenyatta University had issues with their Kenyatta University Referral Hospital and matters were brought before our Committee, I was there trying to help my university. I told the Vice-Chancellor that I was an alumnus, but these Vice-Chancellors do not seem to understand the importance of alumni associations. They do not know that alumni of universities could help raise funds for them. I am also an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University. I make a contribution to that university each month because they recognise me. They send me emails. They inform me of their events. I make a one Dollar or two Dollars contribution there. So, countries out there know the value of alumni, but most of our Vice-Chancellors, even those who studied outside this country, cannot bring best practices from those universities. I do not know who or what they serve. We need to change the culture of managing universities so that we can strengthen the alumni association. The association should also partner with companies and big organisations to help in education. It is sad when a student who is studying medicine drops out from a university because he does not have school fees. An alumni association would have helped such a student to pursue his degree and be of help to the country. I want to pass a message to the Vice-Chancellors that they need to up their game so that we can make our universities better. Thank you."
}