Hopes for a new university in Nandi County have been temporarily dashed after the High Court halted the government’s plan to convert Adai Boys’ High School and Ressio Primary School into a university campus.
Justice J. Chigiti of the Milimani High Court in Nairobi issued the order following a petition filed by Lily Kigen, Julius Kipkemboi Ngetich, and six others. The court granted the petitioners’ request under a certificate of urgency, stopping the Ministry of Education from relocating the two learning institutions located in Aldai Sub-County.
The Ministry of Education, through a letter dated September 18, 2025, had directed the management of both schools to begin the closure process to pave the way for the proposed university. The directive, signed by Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, ordered the Boards of Management to relocate learners by the end of the year, identifying Serem Boys’ and Kemeloi Boys as temporary host schools.
However, the court’s ruling now suspends the relocation, directing the ministry to allow normal learning activities to continue at both schools. Justice Chigiti warned that any violation of the court order would result in penal consequences.
During President William Ruto’s visit to Nandi last year, residents had appealed for a university to be established within Kobujoi town, the constituency’s headquarters. The plan was to have Kaimosi Friends University convert the schools into lecture halls beginning next year.
One of the petitioners, Julius Ngetich, argued that parents had heavily invested in the development of the institutions and that relocating students would disrupt their education. He emphasized that the petition aimed to protect learners’ rights, not to oppose development.
Local trader Sally Melly supported the university plan, saying it would boost business and infrastructure in the area. “We support the conversion because it will create economic growth and opportunities,” she said.
The case will proceed for further hearing as the debate over education development versus community interests continues in Nandi County.
