The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Kwale Site has taken a significant step towards attaining campus status after a Commission for University Education (CUE) inspection established its readiness for accreditation.
The institutional inspection was conducted by a CUE delegation led by Prof. Urbanus Mutwiwa to assess the site's preparedness for accreditation as a campus. 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 outcome 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 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 achievement 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, highlighting 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 resources required to meet accreditation standards.
He noted that local leadership, including the area Member of Parliament and the County Governor, has consistently supported the growth of the institution and expressed a desire to see it 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.
The positive outcome of the inspection marks a major milestone in the University's efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen its presence in Kwale County.
Once the accreditation process is completed, the site will formally operate as TUM Kwale Campus, providing an expanded platform for the University to deliver academic programmes, research, innovation and community engagement activities in the region.
