The government is undertaking Sh10 billion projects including construction of affordable housing, modern markets and improvement of education infrastructure in Nyandarua County.
Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development CS Alice Wahome made the remarks during ground breaking and handover of site to the contractor for construction of the proposed Nyandarua University at Captain Township, on the Ol Kalou-Gilgil highway.
Wahome said the University to be constructed at a cost of Sh1.3 billion will occupy 91 acres of land, where 41 acres were donated by Salient Secondary school, while the County government gave 50 acres.
“To me the 91 acres is a strong take off for the university since the minimum requirement is 80 acres,” she noted.
Additionally, the CS pointed out that under the project, Salient secondary school will benefit from construction of new 30 new classrooms as compensation them for their spaces taken over by the University.
The project also includes 20 classrooms for the University and a hostel that can accommodate 1300 students.
The CS observed that the construction works will proceed nonstop since funding for the project had already been secured in the 2026/2027 national budget.
She praised the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho and the County Women Representative Faith Gitau for their efforts in securing the land for the University, adding that due process had already been completed and the requisite title deeds issued last week.
Wahome further said the affordable houses and hostels for students in education institutions across the country were being carried out through the affordable housing levy passed by parliament.
“Under the affordable housing also we have institutional hostels for police, prisons, secondary schools, TVETs and also universities,” she said, adding that the government is constructing 500 markets and 600,000 housing units across the country.
On her part, Gitau who attended the function, said the University, once complete would inspire learning among local secondary schools students, who could now opt to study closer home, hence saving on accommodation and transportation costs.
Former Trade CS Moses Kuria said Nyandarua had been marginalized in terms of education because it has been the only county in Mt Kenya region without a university.
Besides the groundbreaking ceremony, Wahome also inspected the ongoing affordable housing project in Ol Kalou town, construction of hostels at the Ol Kalou TVET in Rurii town and a modern market in Ndundori town, Mirangine Sub County.
by Kimani Tirus
