Chiakariga Campus Unites Stakeholders in Drive to Boost Student Enrolment
The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) Chiakariga Campus has embarked on a renewed stakeholder engagement drive aimed at increasing student enrolment, strengthening community partnerships and positioning the Campus as a preferred institution for technical and professional training in the region.
Spearheaded by Campus Principal, Mr. Feisal Hassan, the initiative brought together stakeholders from government, education, political leadership, business, civil society and the wider Tharaka community. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Chiakariga Sub-County, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting the Campus’s growth.
Participants included Sub-County departmental heads, the Area OCS, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, representatives of NGOs and the offices of the Senator, Area Member of Parliament and Woman Representative. Secondary school heads, business representatives and other community members also attended.
Discussions focused on practical and sustainable strategies to increase awareness of KEWI programmes and attract more students. Stakeholders emphasised collaboration among schools, government agencies, community leaders, development partners and the private sector to strengthen outreach and recruitment.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Hassan called for collective ownership of the Campus, urging stakeholders to become ambassadors for KEWI within their communities.
“KEWI Chiakariga Campus belongs to this community, and its growth requires the support and participation of all of us. We are calling upon our stakeholders to partner with us in creating awareness about the programmes and opportunities available at the Campus,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of taking information about KEWI’s courses closer to prospective students, particularly through secondary schools and community structures. He noted that sustained engagement would support recruitment while strengthening the Campus’s contribution to regional socio-economic development.
The DCC reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting institutions that equip young people with relevant skills and expand their opportunities.
“The growth of KEWI Chiakariga Campus is a shared responsibility. As government and community leaders, we have a duty to support institutions that are providing skills and opportunities to our young people,” the DCC said.
The DCC urged Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, school heads and other stakeholders to use their networks to sensitise students and parents about the training opportunities available at the Campus.
The participation of secondary school heads highlighted their role in career guidance and connecting learners with further education opportunities. Stakeholders also called for increased visibility of programmes in Water, Sanitation, Environmental Management and related fields.
The business community and NGOs were identified as potential partners in mentorship, internships, practical exposure, community initiatives and industry linkages that could enrich students’ learning experiences.
A key outcome was a shared recognition that student recruitment is a collective responsibility requiring the participation of government administrators, political leaders, educators, businesses, civil society and the wider community.
The engagement was followed by a tree-planting exercise at the Campus, during which stakeholders and KEWI staff planted more than 100 trees to promote environmental conservation and enhance the Campus environment. The activity reflected KEWI’s commitment to water management, environmental conservation and sustainable development while providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships among participants.
The engagement marked an important step towards deepening collaboration between KEWI Chiakariga Campus and the Tharaka community. It reinforced the Campus’s role not only as a training institution but also as a partner in community development, environmental conservation and youth empowerment.
With sustained stakeholder support, the Campus aims to expand its visibility, reach more prospective students and contribute to developing skilled human capital in Tharaka-Nithi and beyond.