Kenya’s public universities are under growing financial strain, highlighting a widening gap between government allocations and the real cost of delivering quality higher education.
While the Ministry of Education has in recent budgets allocated over KSh 80 billion annually to university education covering institutional support, scholarships, and student loans, the sector still faces funding shortfalls estimated at more than KSh 30 billion.
With enrolment expanding and operational costs rising, universities are increasingly embracing international partnerships and linkages as a practical way of exchanging expertise and enhancing academic quality on friendly grounds.
In Vihiga County, Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) is seeking to bolster its capacity in science, technology and medicine after entering into a collaboration with Vignan University of India, a research-oriented institution with strong foundations in science, technology, health, and innovation.
At the center of the MoU between the two institutions is an exchange program, allowing physical interactions between lecturers and learners from the two institutions.
The collaboration will also enable the exchange of human resources, with lecturers, researchers, and specialists expected to move between the two institutions for teaching, mentorship, and joint research.
“This collaboration is not just strategic, it is transformative. By leveraging Vignan’s global capabilities, we aim to deepen research, improve academic quality, and empower our students to compete on the world stage,” said KAFU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita.
Another key pillar of the partnership is research and innovation, particularly in health sciences.
As Kaimosi Friends University seeks to expand its College of Nursing into a full faculty of Medicine, the MoU creates opportunities for joint research activities in emerging health challenges in the region.
Additionally, the surrounding community stands to gain through medical outreach programs, applied research, and skills transfer to stimulate local development.
Prof. Srikant Nandigam, the Chief Executive Officer of the Vignan Foundation, lauded the move which has largely been spearheaded by the County government of Vihiga.
“This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for co-creation of knowledge and innovation that addresses both local and global challenges. Our shared commitment will benefit students, faculty, and the wider community,” he noted.
Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo who witnessed the signing of the MoU between KAFU and Vignan Universities called on the government to adhere to laws on research funding which dictate that up to 2.5 percent of the national budget be allocated towards research and development.
