University for refugees and Kenyans set to open in Kakuma, northern Kenya.
It is against this background that UNHCR and partners hope to increase enrolment of refugees in higher education from the current one percent 1% access in the local area.
MP for Turkana West, in Turkana County, Daniel Nanok laying the foundation stone for Turkana West University, joined by other government officials and @UNHCRKenya Representative, Raouf Mazou.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Turkana County Government have come together to start a new university to offer higher education in Kakuma, Turkana County, northern Kenya.
The ground-breaking for the planned Turkana West University took place on Monday in the presence of hundreds of refugees and local Kenyans in Kakuma. UNHCR’s Country Representative, Raouf Mazou, the Deputy Governor of Turkana and other officials were present.
The university will offer diploma and degree programs for prospective students to take, among other courses.
The university courses will be organised and taught by Kenya’s Masinde Muliro University which is one of Kenya’s most respected educational institutions. The university will offer diploma and degree programs for prospective students to take, among other courses.
The university is being funded and supported by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Masinde Muliro University.
It’s hoped that the university will provide low cost and affordable higher education for both refugees and Kenyans.
UNHCR Kenya Representative, Raouf Mazou said, “The broad partnership and collaboration between local and international universities will make higher education accessible and affordable to more refugees and Kenyans. Pioneering work in establishing such a space for university education for both refugees and Kenyans will provide a talent pool and a platform for other institutions to develop a vibrant community of higher education.”
Turkana County, Deputy Governor, Peter Lotethiro said locals welcomed the planned university and the government fully supported its objectives.
The Turkana County Deputy Governor, Peter Lotethiro unveils the ground breaking plague at Turkana West University
The UNHCR Kenya Representative Raouf Mazou lays the foundation for the construction of Turkana West University in Kakuma, nothern Kenya
Refugees from Kakuma, in Turkana County, northern Kenya, entertain guests, at the ground breaking of the Turkana West University.
Students from Moneau Refugees from Shepell Girls Secondary School perform a Burundi dance at the ground breaking for Turkana West University in Kakuma
Dancers from Pokotom Primary School in #Kakuma, Turkana County, northern Kenya entertain guests at ground breaking of Turkana West University.
The sign board for the Turkana West University in Kakuma. Construction is the institution will begin in June 2018 and will offer tertiary education for refugees and Kenyans.
UNHCR KENYA Representative, Raouf Mazou cuts the ribbon at ground breaking for Turkana West University. Kenya's Masinde Muliro University in Kakuma will partnering with UNHCR to run the university.
“We need tailor made courses that are relevant for Kenyans in Kakuma, mainly technical courses in mining and petroleum as well as entrepreneurship, so that people can be self-reliant.”
Masinde Muliro University, will manage the institution. The Chancellor, Dr Peter Wanyaga said, “We will work with UNHCR and education partners in the areas science and technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and research.”
It’s hoped that the university will provide low cost and affordable higher education for both refugees and Kenyans. Some institutions that will be working with Masinde Muliro University are already offering scholarship opportunities and free education services for prospective students.
Educational needs are large and the new university is much needed.
The university is expected to partner with institutions like the University of Geneva and Columbia University, among other overseas educational institutions. Education partners already working in Kakuma such as Windle Trust Kenya, Danish Refugee Council and Jesuit Refugee Services will also contribute.
It is against this background that UNHCR and partners hope to increase enrolment of refugees in higher education from the current one percent 1% access in the local area.
There are currently 184,000 refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp and the nearby Kalobeyei Settlement. Only 10 out of 100 that qualify for higher education are enrolled in an educational facility. So educational needs are large and the new university is much needed, refugees and locals say. Construction is set to start in June 2018.