Maseno University Nears Another Milestone as Riat Institute Advances Towards University Status
Maseno University is on the brink of adding another success story to its legacy of nurturing institutions into fully-fledged Universities, as the Riat Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) moves closer to attaining University status.
The institution recently hosted an inspection team from the Commission for University Education (CUE), marking one of the final stages in the process of being accredited as a University. The assessment was aimed at determining whether RIAT has the academic, administrative and infrastructural capacity required to offer degree programmes and operate as an institution of higher learning.
The milestone follows a presidential directive issued nearly a year ago that appointed the immediate former Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University, Prof. Julius Nyabundi, to chair a task force mandated with overseeing RIAT's transition into a University.
The task force has since been working to establish the governance structures, academic programmes, policies and quality assurance systems required to meet the standards set by the Commission for University Education.
During the inspection, Dr. Calvin Otieno, Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics, made a presentation on behalf of Prof. Nyabundi, outlining the institution's academic vision and readiness to launch a wide range of degree programmes.
Among the flagship programmes proposed under the School of Engineering and Built Environment are:
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning with Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and Information Systems Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering with Information Technology
The institution also plans to roll out programmes under the School of Computing and Informatics, School of Biological and Physical Sciences, School of Business and Economics, and the School of Agriculture and Animal Science, among other faculties.
Maseno University has built a reputation for mentoring emerging institutions of higher learning. It previously played a pivotal role in the growth and eventual elevation of Tom Mboya University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, both of which are now fully established public universities.
The successful completion of the Commission for University Education's inspection represents a significant milestone for RIAT. The institution now awaits the Commission's evaluation and recommendations, which will determine whether it meets the statutory requirements for university accreditation.
If approved, Riat Institute of Advanced Technology will become the latest institution to join Kenya's expanding University landscape, further reinforcing Maseno University's contribution to the development and expansion of higher education in the country.
