President William Ruto has confirmed the establishment of Nyandarua University, a new institution set to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
Speaking in Ol Kalou Town, Nyandarua County, during his tour of the Mt. Kenya region on Thursday, April 3, the president revealed that the government had finalized the approval and gazettement of the university. He noted that the move was in response to appeals from local leaders advocating for enhanced access to higher education in the county.
“Residents of Nyandarua, you requested a university just like other counties. Last Friday, I approved the establishment of Nyandarua University, and it has now been officially gazetted. From September, you will have your own university,” Ruto announced.
Before attaining full university status, the institution operated as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi (UoN). Its transition followed an assessment by the Commission for University Education (CUE) on January 28, 2025, which determined its readiness to operate as an independent university.
The journey toward the university’s establishment dates back to 2015 when the Nyandarua County Government partnered with UoN to develop the institution. The initiative aimed to align the university with national academic and infrastructure requirements.
Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha played a key role in the process, allocating the Agricultural Training Centre in Ol-Joro Orok as the initial campus for the new university.
President Ruto’s visit to Nyandarua County was part of his five-day tour of the Mt. Kenya region, during which he has been launching and inspecting various development projects.
Among the key initiatives, the president pledged KSh 800 million to complete the stalled J.M. Kariuki Memorial County Referral Hospital, which will enhance healthcare services in the region.
“We will provide funding to ensure the people of Nyandarua have access to quality and affordable medical care,” Ruto stated.
Additionally, he inspected the ongoing construction of the 142-bed J.M. Kariuki Memorial County Referral Hospital, which is expected to provide a range of healthcare services, including in-patient, outpatient, emergency, maternal, and child health services.
Other projects launched during his visit included the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project at Jua Kali Stage in Ol Kalou Town and an inspection of the Ol Kalou Affordable Housing Project.
President Ruto’s tour of Nyandarua is part of a broader regional development initiative covering nine counties, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education development.
