By: Mary Achieng & Lubnah Abdulhalim
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has officially secured accreditation for its Kwale Site to operate as a fully accredited campus, marking a major milestone in the University’s expansion and efforts to increase access to higher education in the region.
The accreditation followed an institutional inspection by the Commission for University Education (CUE) delegation, led by Prof. Urbanus N. Mutitwa. The exercise brought together the CUE inspection team and TUM Management, lecturers and staff from both the Kwale Site and Main Campus.
Speaking during the occasion, TUM Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Extension, Prof. Peter Gichangi, described the accreditation as an important milestone for Kwale County and a significant first step towards the long-term vision of establishing a university in the county.
“This is a very important milestone for Kwale County. It is a beginning, and we are happy to be part of this journey,” said Prof. Gichangi.
He thanked the Commission for University Education for guiding the institution through the accreditation process and acknowledged the Vice Chancellor, the University Council, the Directorate of Quality Assurance and TUM staff for being at the forefront of efforts that made the accreditation possible.
Prof. Gichangi also pointed to the increased number of students joining TUM Kwale this year as an indication of growing interest in the institution and demand for university education in the region.
The inspection included an institutional presentation led by Director Dr Ali Shee, covering key areas of the institution, including governance, academic programmes, infrastructure, human resources, quality assurance and student support services. The CUE team also toured various facilities at the site as part of the assessment.
Reflecting on the journey since the Kwale Site was established in 2013, Dr Shee acknowledged the contribution of University Management and staff, as well as local leadership, in supporting the development of the site and providing the facilities and other resources required for its growth.
He noted that local leadership, including the area Member of Parliament and the County Governor, has expressed interest in seeing the institution progress from a campus to a university college and ultimately a public university in Kwale.
“This is the first baby step we've made towards having a public university for the people of Kwale. I'm proud of the team and the progress we have made together,” said Dr Shee.
For Dr Shee, who was born and raised in Kwale and continues to reside in the county, the milestone is also a source of personal pride. He expressed hope that it would inspire young people and professionals in Kwale to see themselves as active contributors to the county's development and growth, while opening up greater educational opportunities for local communities.
Following the inspection and deliberations, the Kwale Site was officially accredited to operate as TUM Kwale Campus.
The accreditation provides the institution with an expanded platform to deliver university education and other institutional services to the people of Kwale County, while marking a new chapter in the development of TUM Kwale.
