President William Ruto
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Nyandarua County is poised to significantly expand its higher education opportunities with the formal establishment of Nyandarua University
The institution is slated to begin admitting students this September. President William Ruto officially announced the gazettement of the new institution during a recent visit to Ol Kalou Town, marking the culmination of a decade-long initiative to bring university-level education to the region.
The university's creation follows years of collaborative effort, beginning in 2014 when local leaders identified the need for a higher education institution to drive regional development.
''On Friday, I authorised the establishment of the Nyandarua University, and this has been gazetted. You will now have a university in this county from September this year,'' Ruto announced.
The Nyandarua County government subsequently partnered with the University of Nairobi, which served as a mentoring institution to ensure adherence to national academic and infrastructural standards. For several years, the Agricultural Training Centre in Ol-Joro Orok functioned as the interim campus for Nyandarua University College, operating as a constituent college under the University of Nairobi.
"Students will be formally accepted by September. This came after your leaders approached me on the same,'' he said.
In January 2025, the Commission for University Education (CUE) conducted a comprehensive inspection and determined that Nyandarua University met the requirements to become a fully independent institution. This transition mirrors the development of other Kenyan universities, such as Embu University and Machakos University, which also began as satellite campuses.
The realization of Nyandarua University reflects sustained advocacy from county leaders and officials, particularly Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha, who facilitated the repurposing of existing facilities to expedite the university's launch. This approach to resource management was critical in meeting the requirements outlined in Kenya's Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, which mandates a Letter of Interim Authority for at least three years, alongside evidence of stability and compliance with educational standards.
The establishment of Nyandarua University is expected to have broad socio-economic benefits, attracting talent and investment to the region. The university is poised to offer opportunities for future generations and contribute to the advancement of Nyandarua County and the surrounding areas.