Kismayo University


Kismayo University is a private university located in Kismayo, Somalia's third largest city.

Background

The Kismayo University was founded to enhance the skills and the knowledge of the region's population. The economy is agriculture-based and the secondary backbone of the Kismayo economy depends on its fisheries. Skilled people fled the region as there has been civil war since 1991.
Founders of the university, administrators and policymakers want to hold on to young people leaving the city to find higher education elsewhere. The founding of Kismayo University in September 2005, created 200 postsecondary spaces. The obvious result will be opportunity for university education for local high school graduates and adults who would like to continue their education in the region instead of going to Mogadishu, Hargeisa, or neighboring Kenya.

Jubba region's first university

Educators and parents in the city of Kismayo sought a way to prevent young people from joining clan militias and other warring factions in Somalia. The solution was to build a university for young people graduating from high schools in the region. Kismayo University's long vision is twofold: to keep young people safe and educated and to create knowledgeable work force for the current industries such as telecommunications, Kismayo Port Authority and money transfer centers.

Faculties

Kismayo University has enabled 59 students to finish their postsecondary education. In the graduating class of 2010, 27 students earned bachelor degrees while 32 students earned certificates.