Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) successfully held its 14th graduation ceremony, conferring degrees and diplomas to 1,961 graduands despite operational hurdles, including a strike that previously impacted the academic calendar.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, emphasized that while government funding remains critical for public universities, traditional public financing alone can no longer sustain modern institutions. She urged universities to aggressively pursue alternative income streams, such as research grants, partnerships, consultancy, technology transfer, and industry collaborations.
Highlighting broader higher education reforms, the PS noted that the proposed Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill in Parliament aims to widen universal access and relieve financial pressure on parents through fully funded student loans. Furthermore, she commended JOOUST for mobilizing KSh 137 million through national and international partnerships for projects spanning food sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, cultural heritage, and health systems.
JOOUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emily Akuno lauded the university community’s resilience in overcoming last year’s disruptions to ensure the milestone graduation was achieved. She credited the dedication of staff and leadership for keeping institutional goals on track.
Meanwhile, Council Chairman Representative David Maranga addressed the fiscal constraints facing higher education, noting that JOOUST, like many public entities, has navigated restricted government funding, delayed exchequer releases, and mounting pending bills of approximately KSh 300 million.
Despite these cash flow pressures, Maranga reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strategic oversight, expenditure control, and pushing forward with the institution’s 2023–2027 strategic plan centered on digital transformation, academic excellence, and good governance.
