West Pokot County is edging closer to making history after a technical team from the University of Nairobi (UoN) conducted a comprehensive inspection of the proposed Kapenguria University College, signaling a major step towards the establishment of the County’s first-ever university college.
The inspection at the institution’s Keringet campus brought together West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. John Mande, senior university officials, members of the university taskforce, local leaders and hundreds of residents eager to witness the progress of a project that promises to transform access to higher education in the region.
For decades, West Pokot has lacked a university college of its own, forcing students to seek higher education in other counties at considerable financial cost to their families.
The only university the county briefly enjoyed was a Kisii University satellite campus, which ceased operations years ago.
Governor Kachapin said the establishment of Kapenguria University College, was among the flagship education projects he prioritized upon assuming office, noting that the Institution would open-up opportunities for thousands of young people who previously had to leave the county in pursuit of university education.
“This is a historic moment for the people of West Pokot. We initiated this project because we believe our young people deserve access to quality higher education without having to leave their county. Bringing a university college closer to our people will reduce the financial burden on families, while creating opportunities for research, innovation and economic growth,” said Kachapin.
The Governor said the University of Nairobi technical team had completed a detailed assessment of the 72-acre campus, inspecting lecture halls, administration offices, student welfare facilities, kitchen and dining areas, water and sanitation systems, ICT infrastructure and other supporting amenities.
He noted that renovation works were at an advanced stage, with only a few areas requiring completion, before the Institution moves to the next phase of establishment.
Governor Kachapin commended the University of Nairobi for accepting to mentor the constituent college and pledged the County Government’s full support, to ensure the remaining works are completed within the required timelines.
“We value this partnership with the University of Nairobi. Education remains central to our development agenda, and seeing this Institution taking shape is an important investment in the future of our County,” he added.
The proposed institution is expected to begin operations as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi, before eventually growing into a fully-fledged university.
According to the implementation plan, the Institution is expected to admit its pioneer students in September 2026, following the completion of statutory approval processes.
The initial academic programmes will include Business and Management Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Education, and Built Environment and Design. Specialized courses in Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering and Law will be introduced after meeting accreditation and staffing requirements.
Speaking during the inspection, Prof. Mande said he was impressed by the progress made in preparing the institution and assured residents that the University of Nairobi remains committed to transforming Kapenguria University College into a centre of academic excellence.
“What we have undertaken today, is an assessment of the Institution’s preparedness. Our technical team will now prepare a detailed Report highlighting areas that have met the required standards and those that still require improvement, before submission to the Commission for University Education,” said Prof. Mande.
He explained that the establishment of a university college follows a legally prescribed process, including public participation, where members of the community will be invited to present their views through memoranda.
“The law requires that the public be given an opportunity to support or raise concerns regarding the establishment of the Institution. After the public participation exercise, our Report will be forwarded to the Commission for University Education for further evaluation. Once the Commission is satisfied, the necessary approvals and gazette notice will pave the way for operationalisation of the Institution,” he explained.
Prof. Mande emphasised that the inspection should not be interpreted as the official commissioning of the institution, noting that further evaluation by the Commission for University Education will determine its readiness to commence operations.
He said the final assessment would also evaluate staffing requirements, available financial resources and governance structures before recommending the institution for operational approval.
The visit attracted widespread support from residents, many of whom described the university college as a long-awaited development that will transform the county socially and economically.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Mr. Peter Katimu of Keringet welcomed the inspection exercise and thanked the County Government for championing the establishment of the institution.
“Our community is fully prepared to support this university college because we understand the opportunities it will bring to our children and the entire county. We appreciate the Governor for making this dream a reality and assure the University of Nairobi team of our full cooperation throughout the process,” said Katimu.
He called for residents living around the Institution to be considered for employment opportunities arising from the university, both in professional and support staff positions, noting that West Pokot has many qualified professionals capable of contributing to the institution’s success.
Katimu further expressed confidence that the university would stimulate economic growth through increased business opportunities, improved infrastructure and enhanced investment in the county.
The proposed Kapenguria University College is expected to become a catalyst for socio-economic transformation by expanding access to higher education, promoting research and innovation, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local businesses.
County leaders expressed optimism that once operational, the Institution will retain more students within the County, reduce education-related expenses incurred by families and position West Pokot as an emerging centre for academic excellence in the North Rift region.
With the technical inspection completed and the final report expected within days before submission to the Commission for University Education, residents now await the remaining approval stages that will pave the way for the admission of the institution’s first cohort of students.
By Parklea Ivor
