Garissa University Makes a Resounding Comeback as Govt Officials Attend Graduation Ceremony
Government officials have urged students from the North Eastern region and the rest of the country to enroll in certificate, diploma, and degree programs at Garissa University, assuring them of adequate security.
Top government officials and members of the parliamentary education committee joined 482 students at their commencement ceremony as a show of resolve and solidarity in the struggle against insecurity in the region.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, headed by Education Cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Defense CS Aden Duale, the leaders stated that despite the 2015 terror attack that killed 148 students, the university had demonstrated resilience.
The presence of a university in a county, according to Machogu, is a significant accomplishment for the locals, who he urged to work closely with security agencies to protect the university from any threat.
“We have the assurance of the defense minister and the regional commissioner that Garissa is safe and secure and that this university will never be attacked again. What happened in 2015 is behind us now,” he added.
Machogu also disclosed that the presidential working taskforce will recommend a number of permanent solutions to the north eastern region’s teacher shortage and widespread exodus.
The secretary of education stated that a domestic remedy to the problem is necessary for its resolution.
We want the students from Kenya, not only from this region, to come and acquire knowledge in this great university because it is one of the best public universities in the country,” he added.
Duale, for his part, stated that the commencement ceremony demonstrates that a pen is mightier than a rifle and that the government will not allow insecurity to persist in the region.
Duale declared that they would take action against Al-Shabaab, expressing their determination to utilize all available forces to track down the group within Kenya and Somalia. He emphasized the need for the community to unite and stand against the threat. Furthermore, Duale voiced their aspirations for the construction of essential road infrastructure, specifically highlighting the desire for roads connecting Isiolo to Mandera and Lamu to Moyale, as a means to foster regional growth.
“Those who will communicate with al-Shabaab in any way, if you speak to them, we will be on your doorstep once you hang up the phone,” he added.
He warned boda boda drivers against transporting al-Shabaab suspects and sympathizers who bring them sustenance in the forest, as the law will soon catch up to them.
Garissa University Makes a Resounding Comeback as Govt Officials Attend Graduation Ceremony
