The County Government of Siaya has set aside 24 acres of land for the construction of Barack Obama University in Kogelo.
This revelation came to the fore when Governor Cornel Rasanga met a US delegation, and committee for the construction of the University which is set to honour former US President Barack Obama.
Governor Rasanga stated that the institution will tap learners from the 14 counties of the Lake Basin Region, and it will be offering unique courses that are not offered in most of the Universities in the country.
The County Chief met US-based Professor Michael Mwiga, a renowned civil engineer,who was also the policy staff member of Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.
The don stated that it was unfortunate that the institution’s construction didn’t materialize when Obama was still serving his presidential tenure.
“The University will provide courses in Democracy and Institution Management, County Government and Governance, Industrial, Material, Foundation, Petroleum and Irrigation Engineering at the school of engineering among others,” stated the academician.
Prof. Mwiga added that retired Professors from the US will be used to teach some courses that do not have local instructors.
He nonetheless cleared fears that once completed; the University may render Technical Vocational and Training Institutions (TVET) useless by stating that the TVET institutions will continue providing skills to youth at middle-level courses.
Mwiga added that he has already consulted former US Senator Bob Graham who has exuded readiness to support the University.
Others who were present during the meeting include, Professor Achola Waw, the chairman of the construction committee, and area MCA Joseph Mboha.
MCA Mboha pledged to present motions in the local legislative house that will see the institution get favourable political good will.
The officials were also flanked by County secretary George Anyona, Chief of Staff Walter Okello and Red Cross regional representative Kevin Dosso.