The African Talent University (TATU) is set to host a career open day aimed at facilitating mass registration for the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), following its accreditation and inclusion on the KUCCPS placement portal.
The initiative comes as the university seeks to increase enrollment among students from Kisumu County, after revealing that the overwhelming majority of its first government-accredited intake came from other parts of the country.
Speaking to the media, TATU Founder and Sponsor Prof. Humphrey Oborah expressed concern that more than 90 percent of students admitted during the university’s inaugural May intake were from outside Kisumu County.
He said the trend was contrary to the institution’s vision of primarily serving the local community before expanding its reach nationally and internationally.
“Like any other university, we established this institution to meet the needs of the community. Our expectation was that the first beneficiaries of the first government-accredited university in this region would be the local community. Unfortunately, more than 90 percent of students admitted during our initial May intake came from outside Kisumu County, and that is a concern,” said Prof. Oborah.
According to the university founder, the low enrollment from Kisumu is largely due to limited public awareness about TATU and the opportunities it offers.
He noted that many prospective students are unaware that the institution recognizes prior learning, talent, and professional experience through certification programmes designed to widen access to higher education.
“Our findings show that it is not because people do not want these services. Many simply have not been mobilized and are not aware that we exist. They also do not know that their talents and experience are recognized and can contribute towards earning academic qualifications,” he added.
Prof. Oborah announced that TATU will officially launch the accredited university on August 14, an event expected to bring together Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Members of Parliament, County Executive Committee Members, regional and county administrators, education stakeholders, and other academic leaders.
The event will also serve as a joint outreach programme with KUCCPS and HELB to guide students through university placement and government funding processes.
He urged students seeking admission to universities to apply through the KUCCPS portal and take advantage of government-sponsored education and financial support now available at TATU.
“On August 14, we will officially launch the university following its accreditation. We want leaders from Kisumu County and education stakeholders to join us in mobilizing students because TATU is now listed on the KUCCPS portal, making it easier for learners to access government funding through HELB,” he said.
TATU attained full accreditation in April after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba signed the charter formally recognizing the institution as an accredited university, paving the way for its inclusion in the KUCCPS placement system and eligibility for government education funding.
