Atandi alleges eviction has been caused by plan to expand the County headquarters, but County insists it’s only a hiatus caused by renegotiation
Confusion surrounds the future of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) tenancy at the Siaya Farmers Training Centre (FTC), with Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi trading claims and no official word emanating from the county government.
MP Samuel Atandi has accused the county of earmarking the FTC grounds for construction of new county headquarters, saying he petitioned Governor James Orengo several times to let the university keep the land. Yet questions linger over his claims, as no records exist to show any formal petition. Efforts to reach the MP for clarification were unfruitful by the time of going to press.
County CECM for Education Dr. Edgar Otumba told this writer that no eviction is underway, describing the stalemate as temporary. “The county and JOOUST are simply renegotiating terms of occupancy. There is no decision to chase the university away,” he said.
Despite the reassurance, uncertainty continues to grip Siaya town. A third-year Business student, who requested anonymity, said: “We don’t know whether to look for accommodation elsewhere or wait. The confusion is affecting our focus.” Another student, a finalist in Education, lamented: “If we are moved, transport will be costly and learning will be disrupted.”
The silence has also unsettled the local economy. Traders at the busy Bondo junction—who rely heavily on student traffic—say they are contemplating demonstrations to the governor’s office unless the county issues a clear position.
Observers argue that only a prompt, official statement from the County Government or JOOUST’s top administration can calm growing tensions and assure both the academic community and the business sector.
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