Higher Education Secretary Tours MMUST’s Butula Study Centre Amidst Progress Toward Technical University Status

The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) Butula Centre for Education, Research, and Development (BUCERED) is steadily progressing toward its goal of attaining Technical University status in Western Kenya. Established in 2015 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MMUST and the Butula Community, BUCERED aims to address the region’s low transition rates from secondary to higher education, primarily due to poverty and the high costs associated with pursuing education outside the County. On 31^st May 2025, the Secretary for Higher Education and Research in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Carol Hunja, visited BUCERED to assess its readiness for this transition. She was accompanied by the Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) in the Executive Office of the President, Mr. Arthur Osiya.

Addressing the participants, the Chief Guest, Dr. Carol Hunja commended the Butula community’s passion and commitment towards having a Technical University established in the region. “There is nothing more fulfilling for us at the State Department than seeing a community so determined and hungry for education. Our constitution recognizes education as a right for every child, and by pursuing this dream, you are aligning with that vision,” remarked Dr. Hunja, as she acknowledged the progress made by the Centre since her meeting with the BUCERED management in Nairobi earlier in the year.

The Secretary for Higher Education and Research in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Carol Hunja, makes her remarks.

In addition to this, Dr. Hunja drew a comparison between the Butula Study Centre and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), noting its modest beginnings and current success. She revealed that SEKU started in far more challenging conditions than this Centre, but today, it has over 10,000 students. “We believe that this dream will eventually come to fruition because of your passion, forward movement, and strong desire for education. You are on the right track by focusing on the establishment of a Technical University,” she added, saying that it will go a long way in skilling young people for self-employment and driving long-term development of the region.

The BUCERED Coordinator, Dr. Joel Ogutu engages the Secretary State Department for Higher Education and Research during her tour of the students’ hostels.

Similarly, the MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo applauded the Butula community for its bold and forward-looking vision to establish a Technical University. He pointed out that the former Western Province, as the second most populous region in Kenya, requires expanded access to higher education to meet the growing demand. He encouraged the community to pursue the initiative with confidence, reiterating that it will serve as a catalyst for economic transformation of the region and beyond.

“I congratulate the Butula community, through the Office of the Member of Parliament, Hon. Oyula Joseph, for the diligent efforts in mobilizing resources to establish the Centre and for supporting needy students with tuition fees. I encourage you to consider setting up a revolving fund to ensure sustainability of this great initiative,” advised Prof. Shibairo, as he, affirmed MMUST’s support.

MMUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo speaks to the participants.

The Butula Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Oyula revealed his on-going efforts to secure partnerships aimed at ensuring sustainability of the proposed Technical University, once approved. He informed the participants of his recent visit to Taiwan, where through existing networks; he signed an MoU with Taiwan Technical University to support students from his constituency to train as professional technical educators. “I have already submitted the names of fifteen students who will pursue their undergraduate as well as masters programmes through a sponsorship initiative. This will ensure that, upon the establishment of the Technical University, we will have trained personnel within the community ready to assume teaching roles,” said Hon. Oyula.

Prof. Christine Mango, one of the key visionaries behind the initiative, expressed her gratitude to the State Department for honouring their invitation to visit the Centre they have long championed in Nairobi. In her speech, Prof. Mango addressed a common misconception, noting that people often argue that we already have many universities in the country, but rarely do they reflect on how unevenly these institutions are distributed. “Certain regions are well served, while others, like Butula and the larger Western region remain underserved. Every young person deserves equal access to higher education regardless of where they come from. Establishing a Technical University here is not about adding to the numbers, but about addressing such disparities and ensuring equitable development.”

Prof. Christine Mango, one of the key visionaries behind the initiative, makes her remarks.

“This move is going to transform this region in acquisition of knowledge and hands on skills. We want to major and specialize in engineering disciplines, ICT, agricultural engineering, afforestation and research,” stated Prof. Florence Indede, Chairperson of the Board of Directors BUCERED.

Prof. Edwin Wamukoya, who was representing the MMUST’s DVC for Academic and Student Affairs, highlighted that his Division has provided the necessary support to ensure the Centre is well-prepared for this next phase. “Whatever the community is asking for, we are part and parcel of the same,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the DVC for Planning Research and Innovation (PR&I), the Registrar PR&I, Dr. Collins Matemba explained that the primary role of the Division has been to support the Centre through data-informed planning, guidance, and development of programmes aligned to the University’s strategic plan. “We have continued to assess programme relevance, identify growth areas, and support the expansion of research activities. We are also working to establish a tripartite MoU with the County Government of Busia and BUCERED, to foster applied research in agriculture and livestock, which are critical sectors to the region’s economy,” he said.

The Registrar Planning Research and Innovation, Dr. Collins Matemba speaks on behalf of the DVC PR&I at the event.

It is worth noting that the visit by the Secretary of the State Department attracted key stakeholders including students currently enrolled at the Centre, BUCERED Board of Management and Trustees, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, County and National Government, as well as the local community. They put up a united front to reinforce their collective commitment to upgrading the Centre into a fully-fledged Technical University. Notable personalities from MMUST included the Coordinator BUCERED, Dr. Joel Ogutu; Director of Campuses, Dr. Edwin Kanda; Associate Dean School of Education, Dr. Rose Opiyo; and Dr. Lucy Mandillah, who was representing the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing.

One of the main objectives of the State Department for Higher Education and Research is to enhance access, equity, quality and relevance of education and training at the university level. These remain paramount in addressing the socio-economic needs of the people, and it is quite admirable that the Government has been deliberate in expanding this access through the establishment of new universities as well as expansion of the existing ones. As one of the top Universities in the region, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is committed to support the Butula Centre for Education, Research, and Development (BUCERED) in its transition to a fully-fledged Technical University. With the MoU in place, BUCERED will certainly benefit from MMUST’s extensive experience in delivering quality education and fostering innovation.