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{
    "id": 571692,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/571692/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 289,
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    "content": "We do not want to have a Kisii University, Luo University, Kikuyu University, Maasai University and many others. While these are good tools, I suggest that at a time like this when Kenya is out to slay the monster of tribalism, we should try to have specific defined disciplines being taught in each of these universities. For instance, Makueni University can have an ICT University dealing specifically with that discipline or have Kisii University to deal with a specific business of agribusiness. This way, we will ensure that all our children in all parts of the Republic can enjoy the privileges of these universities, so that we do reduce them into ethnic universities. As I support this Bill, I would like the Mover to consider looking at Section 26(4) of the Principal Act. I would like her to consider amending this particular Section so that it is in conformity with the normal way of writing Acts. I believe that this CUE, not being an independent commission like the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC), cannot report directly to Parliament. There are institutions where it should report to, I guess the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and, therefore, these reports will come to Parliament as the Auditor-General’s report. Madam Temporary Speaker, let me talk about the benefits for those who are working in counties. If we had these universities which are nearby, many working class people who have now moved to towns in counties will have an opportunity to attend tertiary education classes. They will not have to travel very far to study. I would like a situation where, perhaps, these universities can have special disciplines and courses which are tailored for the local circumstance. How good it would be for Wajir or Mandera counties, for example, where the water table is very low, if they had universities coming up with innovative technologies in agriculture where we can put that area under irrigation and have them produce their own food. Therefore, it is very welcome that if there is research and technology being taught in these universities, we will not have a student coming all the way from Kisii County to go to Kenyatta University (KU) to incubate their ideas. It is a timely idea and we should ensure that we have at least a minimum of 47 public universities. Our children can then excel in these areas, particularly those from poor backgrounds who cannot afford university education. In the past, universities have been a preserve of rich communities or children from rich backgrounds. By having these public universities, children from poor backgrounds will have easy access to university education within counties. I believe that this CUE will set up a criterion for which such students can get loans like we did during our time. Finally, let me talk about the issue of politicizing universities. As we propose that this Bill is enacted into law, we hope that the county and national governments will not politicize these universities or use them as a tool to reward only those who supported them in their various disciplines. I have seen a trend where there are discussions, relations or memorandums of understating that are being developed in some universities which are being established in counties. You will find that students who have enrolled there are only from one ward and not around the whole county. That is why I am maintaining that The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}