Alupe University gets new Vice Chancellor

By Peter Ochieng

Alupe University in Busia County has a new Chancellor.

Dr. Virginia Wamuyu Kimani was on Friday installed as the University's new chancellor, during the second graduation ceremony at the institution's grounds.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Barasa said Kimani was a great supporter of the system, who has helped in the transformation of Alupe University.

In her speech, Kimani said some good work has been done under the leadership of VC Barasa.

"The management of the University under the leadership of our Vice Chancellor, Prof Baraza, continues to make significant strides towards the attainment of our vision to be a centre of academic excellence and to establish a niche in the sciences," she said.

The graduation saw over 150 students awarded degrees, while a host of others were conferred diplomas across five departments.

Speaking during the ceremony, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera on behalf of Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma said the conferment of degrees and award of diplomas by the institution was a game changer, towards realization and promotion of post secondary education in the border county.

He added that the county administration was committed to walking the journey with Alupe University, in achieving its vision of becoming a world class institution pegged on creativity and innovation.

''As a county government, we are very conscious that we want Alupe University to keep growing.''

"In preparation for that growth, in the next twelve months we are investing a large amount of money to Alupe Sub County hospital to ensure we increase the facilities, staff and the capacity of the hospital to be able to give medical care to this community and other communities around," he added.

The DG who doubles up as County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation further appealed to the national government, to work with speed in putting up a police post around the institution to curb the increased cases of insecurity.

He said the county government was willing to work with the national government to establish the police post, in a bid to guarantee the safety of students and members of staff.