- Nyamira University College marks the fulfillment of a decade-long dream, bringing higher education to Kiabonyoru and empowering the youth of Nyamira County and beyond.
- The new institution will stimulate local growth, create jobs, and foster innovation while integrating students into the heart of the community.
- Under Kisii University mentorship, Nyamira University College is set to shine as a hub of academic excellence, research, and cultural exchange.
After more than a decade of anticipation, Nyamira County is set to witness the birth of its very own university. The long-awaited Nyamira University College officially took a monumental step forward on October 24, when the government laid its foundation stone at Kiabonyoru Secondary School in North Mugirango Constituency. This historic moment signifies not only the dawn of a world-class institution but also the realization of the Kenya Kwanza Government’s vision of bringing quality higher education closer to the people.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chief Guest and Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, described the event as historic.
“Today, we are gathered to witness a truly transformative moment. The groundbreaking of Nyamira University College is more than a construction project; it is the realization of a shared vision to bring higher education closer to the people of Nyamira and the wider Gusii region,” she stated.
Tuya emphasized that the establishment of the university reflects President William Ruto’s commitment to expanding access to education.
“As we break ground today, we celebrate the dreams of our youth, the dedication of educators, and the unity of our community. Nyamira University College will soon stand as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and community transformation,” she added.
The new institution will be mentored by Kisii University, with technical oversight from the Ministry of Defence, which will deploy consultants to ensure the project is completed within nine months.
“The Ministry of Defence is committed to delivering a world-class facility that exceeds expectations. This project reflects close collaboration between the national government, Kisii University, and Nyamira County,” Tuya noted.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba highlighted that the journey toward establishing Nyamira University officially began in August 2024, when President Ruto announced the project during a visit to the county.
“True to the President’s word, we are turning a long-held promise into reality. The main campus will be at Kiabonyoru, with the School of Nursing located in Nyamira Town and a satellite campus at Sironga in West Mugirango Constituency,” Ogamba explained.
He further stressed that the university will be a transformative force for the county, creating socio-economic opportunities through job creation, entrepreneurship, and research-driven community development.
“Universities are engines of knowledge, research, and innovation. Nyamira University College will help achieve the vision of accessible higher education for all Kenyans and contribute significantly to local development,” said Ogamba.
Prof. Dr. Nathan Ogechi, Vice Chancellor of Kisii University, shared that the idea of establishing a university in Nyamira dates back to 2013, soon after Kisii University obtained its charter. However, approval from the Commission for University Education (CUE) stalled the project in 2016. The vision was revived in November 2023 after President Ruto met with Gusii leaders in Kakamega, leading to the formal announcement in August 2024.
The KSh. 200 million project will host 16 lecture rooms, administrative offices, and modern facilities to support teaching and research.
Academic programs will include:
- School of Education and Human Resource Development,
- School of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management,
- School of Business and Economics and
- School of Information Science and Technology.
- The School of Nursing will operate from Nyamira Referral Hospital.
“We eagerly anticipate welcoming our first cohort of students in September 2026. This university is not only about bringing education closer but about enriching the Kiabonyoru community. We call upon locals to support student welfare and provide safe, affordable housing,” Prof. Ogechi urged.
Local leaders, including West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka, applauded the Ruto-led government for realizing the project within a record timeframe.
“For decades, Nyamira County waited for this university. Previous administrations could not deliver; it has taken President Ruto just one year to make it happen,” he said.
Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Chancellor of Tharaka University, also congratulated Nyamira leaders and Kisii University, describing the establishment of Nyamira University College as a testament to visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence.
Once operational, Nyamira University College is expected to generate substantial socio-economic benefits: boosting demand for housing, transport, and services, fostering youth entrepreneurship, and becoming a hub for research, innovation, and cultural exchange. The institution promises to position Nyamira County as a centre of higher learning, innovation, and development in the Gusii region and beyond.
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