The Government has unveiled plans to set up the Johanna Ng’eno university campus in Emurua Dikirr following the allocation of a start-up fund of Sh750 million through the Ministry of Education to the Maasai Mara University.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu made the announcement following the approval by the Maasai Mara University Senate to establish the college in Ololmasani Ward, a move expected to transform the area into a major education hub in the South Rift region.
The new satellite campus of Maasai Mara University is expected to admit its first cohort of approximately 200 students in September this year, bringing university education closer to learners from Trans Mara South and neighbouring regions.
Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting at a Narok hotel, Governor Ntutu welcomed the university senate’s decision, noting that it followed months of consultations and feasibility studies conducted by Maasai Mara University.
He said the Ministry of Housing is expected to commence construction of hostels and lecture rooms to support the institution’s operations.
Governor Ntutu noted that the college was named in honour of the late Johanna Ng’eno, a former area Member of Parliament, in recognition of his immense contribution to the development of the region.
“The institution will serve students from across the country and strengthen access to quality university education,” said Ntutu.
Maasai Mara University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peninah Aloo-Obudho confirmed that the university senate had approved the establishment of the College as a constituent campus of Maasai Mara University.
She said a senate committee would visit the site to assess facilities and oversee preparations ahead of the official launch of the institution in September.
Professor Aloo-Obudho observed that the new campus would significantly expand access to higher education and reduce the distance students from Trans Mara South and surrounding areas travel to pursue university studies.
Ololmasani MCA, Samuel Towett welcomed the development, describing it as the culmination of a lengthy process involving stakeholder consultations and site assessments.
He said that Simotwet Secondary School had been identified as the most suitable location for the campus following comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by the university.
Towett said local leaders would engage stakeholders on plans to relocate students currently learning at the school in readiness for the university’s anticipated September intake.
The MCA expressed optimism that the institution would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and open up new investment prospects for residents of Ololmasani Ward and the wider Emurua Dikirr area.
Senior Chief, Nicholas Mutai termed the establishment of the college a historic achievement for the community and thanked both the national and county governments, as well as Maasai Mara University, for supporting the project.
Mutai said the institution would provide local youth with greater access to higher education while at the same time instigate social and economic development in the region.
Other leaders expressed confidence that the establishment of the College would attract investment, create jobs and position Emurua Dikirr as a key centre for higher learning and regional development.
by Emmanuel Karui and Emily Kadzo
