Chemeron, Baringo: Kenya.
Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage led the University Management in a meeting at the Dryland Research Training and Ecotourism Centre (DRTEC) in Chemeron, Egerton University on October 24, offering words of encouragement to the center’s first cohort of students, just weeks before they head into final exams and embark on industrial attachments.
This initial cohort of 100 students, enrolled in certificate programs including Tour Guiding, Tourism Product Development, Hospitality Management, and Climate Change, symbolizes a new era for the remote region of Baringo County. The students’ anticipation was evident as they gathered to meet with university leadership, accompanied by Prof. Bernard Aduda, Prof. Richard M.S. Mulwa, and Mr. Leonard Chesang’. The Vice-Chancellor was welcomed by DRTEC’s Director, Dr. L. Makanji, alongside Dr. Reuben Kenei, who represented the local Member of Parliament, Hon. Charles Kamuren.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to growth, as students voiced critical needs for the center through their leader, Jamlick Lesiko. Requests included student housing for those traveling long distances, essential computers for training, and a boost to cellular network access to overcome connectivity issues in the area. “For us, these needs are the bridge to educational success,” said Lesiko, reflecting the community’s sense of hope.
Dr. Kenei, interim head of the training committee, shared his gratitude for the center’s establishment. “A university campus here would symbolize hope,” he said, expressing optimism for the region’s youth and calling the campus a "lighthouse" for future generations. Dr. Makanji echoed this vision, pointing to the surge of interest in DRTEC, which received over 200 applications for the certificate programs but admitted only half.
Makanji highlighted achievements, including collaborations with local communities on five environmental conservation proposals. The center has also teamed up with the Kenya Forest Service, planting 200 seedlings in 2023, with 54 mango trees now flourishing. Even in the unforgiving drylands, camels have thrived, bringing in income through camel milk sales to locals. Makanji requested further support from the Vice-Chancellor, including making staff positions permanent, completing a reptile park and apiary, building research facilities, and adding more classrooms to meet growing demand.
In response, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mulwa addressed infrastructure support, affirming Egerton’s commitment to training professionals despite financial constraints. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aduda urged students to provide feedback on course quality, reinforcing the university’s dedication to academic excellence.
Taking the stage, the Vice-Chancellor praised the local MP’s support in empowering youth through education. He promised to bring Hon. Kamuren to the upcoming certificate award ceremony in appreciation for his role in the center’s development. With a metaphor that struck home, he encouraged students to be resilient, “like acacia trees standing tall through dry spells.”
Addressing the students’ needs, the Vice-Chancellor was frank. Financial constraints made it unfeasible to construct student hostels at this time. However, he pointed to boreholes funded by the university, which serve residential students, with potential to expand to neighboring communities. He also committed to exploring refurbished computer hardware from the main campus and pledged to engage Safaricom about improving cellular connectivity.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged aspirations for a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institute at DRTEC but stressed the need for significant funding. He expressed interest in advancing the most popular courses to diploma level and establishing an online platform to widen educational access.
As the session concluded, the Vice-Chancellor’s vision left students and staff with a renewed sense of possibility. In the vast, arid landscape of Baringo, DRTEC is fast becoming an oasis of opportunity, a place where dreams meet the realities of academic ambition.
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