The government will allocate Sh2 billion to settle part of the debt it owes the Methodist University during the next financial year, President William Ruto has said.
He said the money would lighten the financial strain on the institution, enabling the university to continue offering essential services to Kenyans.
“As government, we sent students to you; you taught them, but we did not pay you. But we will pay you. I will look for at least Sh2 billion by June,” he said.
He made the remarks when he hosted a delegation of leaders from the Methodist Church in Kenya at State House, Nairobi, on Friday.
Present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church John Maromba, Emeritus Presiding Bishop Joseph Ntombura, and other leaders of the church.
Ruto said the government owes public and private universities more than Sh120 billion, which he said would be settled in due time.
Ruto said the higher education new student-centred funding model has financially stabilised public universities, saving 21 of them from bankruptcy.
On road projects, he said design work for the infamous Nithi Bridge is now complete and the contractor is on site to begin construction of the new Sh7 billion bridge.
Additionally, he said, the government will by the end of the year launch the dualling of the Makutano-Embu-Meru-Maua road, easing persistent traffic gridlock along the route.
He urged the leaders to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund which seeks to raise Sh5 trillion to transform Kenya through new highways, airports, railway lines, and mega dams for electricity generation and irrigation.
“By April, we will have half of the money we require for these projects,” he said.
Ruto said the government will compensate the church for the property, which has been invaded by squatters, it holds in Nairobi and Mombasa.
“I have already linked the necessary people to handle this matter and give me a report soon,” he said.
Following a request by the leaders, the President said the government would help equip Mau Methodist Hospital with oncology equipment, which they will pay through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“Let us have a strategic relationship so that we can help you where we can, and you as the Church can help us,” he said.
DP Kindiki highlighted the values of hard work and a saving culture, saying the Methodist Church is well-known for the virtues other religious groups ought to emulate.
“Saving is part of Wesslyian (Methodist) doctrine – that a man must work very hard, save as much as possible, and give as much as possible,” he told.
The Rev Maromba said the Church is a partner with the government on development matters, complementing State efforts across sectors including health and education.
“We will partner with you on matters of peace and justice. Today, we renew our covenant of cooperation with your government,” he said.
Ruto called on the church to help the government fight drug abuse among the youth by imparting moral and spiritual guidance.
“It cannot be done by the State alone. We can use all the other interventions, but there is a moral issue the church must address,” he said.
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