Plans to establish Barack Obama University are on top gear after Siaya County signed a memorandum of understanding with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
The university college will be based at The Siaya Agricultural Training Centre, and is expected to train on agriculture and business-related courses at the initial stages before venturing into the other physical, social and biological sciences.
“My government is discussing a memorandum of understanding with The Florida Agricultural Mechanical University of the United States of America. The proposed partnership is geared towards supporting a learning exchange program that will see some students’ study in Kenya for two years and in the USA for another two years as part of a four-year program.’’ Said Rasanga.
The county has also initiated partnership programme with Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical University USA to offer courses on food production.
JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’ lauded the County Government of Siaya and other stakeholders for their support in actualizing the university dream and urged candidates to register for courses upon the launch of academic programs later this the year.
“We will invite the Commission for University Education to conduct an institutional audit and provide approvals for the launch of academic programs. JOOUST school of agriculture will be transferred to the proposed university college upon the Commission for Higher Education approval” Prof. Agong’ said.
The university will serve as the first higher learning institution in Siaya town that also hosts the county headquarters.