Nyandarua University College: A Decade-Long Vision Realized

After a decade of persistence and planning, Nyandarua County has achieved a significant milestone with the official establishment of Nyandarua University College. President William Ruto announced the gazettement of the institution during his tour of the county on Thursday, April 3, 2025, setting the stage for its first student intake in September 2025.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Ol Kalou, President Ruto emphasized the importance of this development: "This gazettement is a historic step forward for our region, affirming our commitment to making quality higher education accessible."

The President was accompanied by Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, The Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha and other national leaders.

Governor Badilisha, a longtime advocate for establishing a university in the county, expressed satisfaction with the achievement: "Nyandarua University College is now a reality after the President granted our request to have it gazetted."

The journey toward establishing the university college began in 2012 when local leaders identified the need for a higher education institution to drive regional development. In 2015, a strategic partnership with the University of Nairobi was formed to ensure the planned institution would meet national academic standards.

The Agricultural Training Centre in Ol-Joro Orok has been repurposed as the initial campus, effectively combining the region's agricultural heritage with its academic aspirations. The existing facility, though modest, features lecture halls, hostels, dining areas, and recreational grounds. Initial academic offerings will include degree programs in Education, Business, and Agriculture, with plans to expand into other disciplines. Plans are already underway to construct a dedicated main campus as the institution expands.

During a campus tour following the President's announcement, Prof. Hutchinson highlighted the university's vision: "Nyandarua University College will serve as an incubation centre for sustainable agricultural technologies. Our aim is to integrate academic excellence with practical innovation to support regional development." She urged the Ministry of Education to promptly appoint a governing council "so that resources and students can begin flowing into the institution without delay."

Dr. Inyangala emphasized the strategic importance of the new institution: "This is leadership with tangible fruits that will impact generations. The work ahead is not easy, but we now have a firm foundation. We will soon appoint a university council and a management team to oversee daily operations."

The dual events of the day—the President’s official announcement in Ol Kalou and the Vice Chancellor’s detailed tour of the repurposed campus—captured both the historical journey and the promise ahead. Nyandarua University College stands not only as an academic institution but also as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the county’s unwavering pursuit of progress.