Salient Secondary School has officially closed to pave way for the establishment of Nyandarua University, the county’s first institution of higher learning. The decision follows unanimous support from residents during a public participation forum organized by the county government.
Governor Kiarie Moses Badilisha announced the transformation during a community engagement session, confirming that 300 students will be admitted to the university’s inaugural intake this September. The initial classes will be held at the former Salient Secondary School and the renovated Ol Jororok Agricultural Training Center, which will accommodate an additional 300 students.
“This is a milestone for the people of Nyandarua,” Governor Badilisha stated. “We will now have our own university a dream long overdue for our county.”
Nyandarua has historically been the only county in the Mt. Kenya region without a university. The new institution, established in partnership with the University of Nairobi, will initially offer degree programs in Agriculture, Business Administration, and Education. It will operate as a constituent college under the mentorship of UoN during its formative years.
University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Mande affirmed that operations will commence by August 18, with legal frameworks being strictly followed. A principal, Professor John Kimenju, has been appointed and emphasized the university’s focus on agricultural research, particularly on potato farming and safe pesticide use.
The university’s main campus will be constructed on 50 acres of land in Kapten, Ol Kalou, with support from both county and national governments. Leaders including Senator John Methu and Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho urged the community to support the development and assured that displaced students from Salient Secondary will be accommodated in nearby schools.
The university’s presence in this agriculturally rich region is expected to catalyze research, innovation, and modernization in farming practices. It also paves the way for enhanced food security, agribusiness development, and youth empowerment firmly positioning Nyandarua on the path to becoming an academic and agricultural powerhouse.
