West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin has appointed a task force that will spearhead the establishment of a constituent university in the county.
In a gazette notice dated October 24, the county chief said that the task force will serve for a period of 90 days.
The institution, which is expected to be opened Next year, is set to become the first public university in West Pokot County.
A constituent university is an institution affiliated and established under the authority of a public university.
These campuses operate under the main university's charter and are authorized to offer academic programs and award degrees on its behalf.
The governor said that the task force will have the responsibility of conducting feasibility studies and engaging with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, partner Universities, Development partners, and local communities, to pave the way for the new university.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 179 (1) and (4)of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and section 30 (2) and (3) of theCounty Governments Act, 2012, the Governor of West Pokot County appoints the following persons to serve in the Task Force on the Establishment of a Constituent University in West Pokot County, for a period of ninety (90) days with effect from 21st October, 2025," the governor said.
According to the notice, the team will be chaired by Joshua Kwonyike, with Rebecca Kide, the County Executive Committee Member for Education and Technical Training, serving as secretary.
Other members include Julius Koring’ura, Elly Yaluk, Grace Amurle, Raymond Nyeris, Brian Mnangat Ptoton, Simon Tinga, Lydia Maket, Musaeh Akuto Kamarkor, Philip Sitte, Philomena Chenang’at, Fred Pown Achoke, Philip Magal (County Solicitor), and Philip Pkorir Puyaka.
According to the governor, the task force will determine the suitable sites and facilities that will be used to host the proposed university, in addition to developing a concept paper and proposal to guide affiliation and establishment of the University.
The members will also be mandated to recommend the governance, funding, and implementation framework for the project.
The team is expected to submit its final report with findings and recommendations within the next 90 days to the governor's office.
