The County Assembly of Bungoma and Kibabii University have solidified their commitment to advancing digital literacy, research, and data protection within the county by signing a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The agreement, formalized at the Bungoma County premises on Thursday, underscores a joint dedication to fostering knowledge sharing, innovation, and technology for the advancement of Bungoma County, its surrounding region, and the nation at large.
Charles Wafula, the Clerk of the Bungoma County Assembly, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and academic institutions in embracing evolving technologies to drive societal progress.
“Kibabii University has long championed academic excellence, research, and community engagement,” noted the assembly clerk, highlighting the university’s commitment to extending its impact beyond traditional academic realms through collaboration with the county assembly.
The partnership between the Bungoma County Assembly and Kibabii University marks a pivotal step towards establishing more interconnected and digitally empowered governance systems, according to Wafula.
He further elaborated on the multifaceted collaboration, which encompasses joint funding applications, capacity building initiatives, resource mobilization efforts, shared e-library facilities and infrastructure, internship programs, staff development initiatives, community outreach endeavors, and disaster management strategies.
Plans supported by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy are underway to establish an ICT resource center and e-library within the Assembly premises, enhancing research capabilities within the institutions and throughout the county.
Additionally, the collaboration will facilitate research opportunities for university students while ensuring disaster preparedness through external data backups.
Addressing the significance of the partnership, Prof. Ipara Odeo, Vice Chancellor of Kibabii University, emphasized its focus on enhancing research endeavors at both institutions.
The MOU aims to empower Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to conduct research on legislative matters for presentation and deliberation at the County Assembly level.
The five-year collaboration between the Bungoma County Assembly and Kibabii University heralds a new era of cooperation aimed at advancing research, fostering innovation, and promoting data protection within the county and beyond.
Meza Mwanza 
IAN BYRON