Salient Secondary School in Ol Kalou is set to be closed to pave the way for the establishment of the first-ever university in Nyandarua County.
The move follows overwhelming approval by local residents through a public participation forum organized by the county government.
The 400 students currently enrolled at Salient Secondary will be transferred to neighboring schools to facilitate the transition. Governor Kiarie Moses Badilisha confirmed the developments during a community engagement exercise in the area, noting that the first intake for the university will take place in September this year, with 300 students set to be admitted at the former secondary school grounds.
An additional 300 students will be admitted to the Ol Jororok Agricultural Training Center, which has already undergone renovations in preparation for the university’s launch.
“This is a milestone for the people of Nyandarua,” Governor Badilisha said. “We found it wise to conduct a public participation forum, and the residents unanimously agreed that we close down the school to pave way for this historic development. For the first time, we will have our own university right here in Nyandarua.”
Nyandarua County has long been the only county in the Mt. Kenya region without a university. The new institution, being established in partnership with the University of Nairobi, will initially offer three degree programs: Agriculture, Business Administration, and Education.
“The people of Nyandarua will at last have a university of their own, which is long overdue,” the Governor said. “We are glad to announce that we will be offering these new courses starting this September.”
The university will operate as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi during its formative stages. The advertised programs have already received applications, and local students will be prioritized during admissions.
Governor Badilisha emphasized that quality education will be ensured under the mentorship of the University of Nairobi, a well-respected institution in Africa. “Our students will finally access the high-quality education they have always longed for, without having to travel far,” he added.
A master plan for the construction of the university’s main campus at Kapten in Ol Kalou is already in place, and groundwork has begun. The campus will be constructed on a 50-acre parcel of land carved out of the Salient Secondary School grounds, with funding from both the national and county governments.
On his part, University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Mande stated that the planning discussions will soon be consolidated into a formal resolution. A principal has already been posted to head the constituent college, and deans and department heads will be appointed shortly. “By August 18, the first cohort of students will have reported, and the institution will begin running,” he said. “We are following the legal frameworks and policies guiding the establishment of a university to ensure a smooth transition until Nyandarua University stands independently.”
The newly appointed principal of Nyandarua University College, Professor John Kimenju, emphasized the university’s potential to drive research, especially in the agricultural sector. “Nyandarua is known for potato farming, and we will focus research on chemicals and pesticides used in the area. This is critical given the ongoing national debate on safe farming practices.”
Professor Kimenju also highlighted the university’s responsibility to provide community services, foster knowledge dissemination, and act as a catalyst for sustainable development. “No development can occur without knowledge. And knowledge must not only be stored—it must be shared widely among the people,” he said.
Senator John Methu and Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho urged residents to support the initiative and not politicize the decision to close Salient Secondary School. “We have considered all the implications of this move. The affected students will be well taken care of,” Senator Methu assured. MP Kiaraho added that the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) will be used to construct additional classrooms in nearby schools to accommodate the displaced students.
Importance of a University in an Agricultural County
The establishment of a university in Nyandarua, an agriculturally rich region, is of immense significance. Agriculture is the backbone of the county’s economy, with potatoes, cabbages, and dairy products forming a major part of its output. The presence of a university will provide opportunities for advanced agricultural research, innovation in farming techniques, and capacity building among local farmers.
By integrating education with the agricultural economy, the university will enhance productivity, promote food security, and equip youth with the knowledge and skills needed to modernize farming. It also opens up new avenues for agribusiness, value addition, and climate-smart agriculture—all of which are vital for sustainable rural development.
With this groundbreaking step, Nyandarua not only gains an institution of higher learning but also sets itself on a path to becoming an academic and agricultural powerhouse in the region.
