Governor of Nyandarua County, Kiarie Badilisha has revealed that the first cohort of University of Nyandarua will commence their learning in September this year.
Governor Badilisha, who was speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at the Boiman area, said so far, the newly established university, which is a constituent college of the University of Nairobi, has registered 89 students, with more to be registered in two weeks’ time.
The Governor lauded the inception of the university, terming it as game changer in boosting the economy in the neighbourhood noting that consumption of milk and potatoes is expected to increase when the university is fully operational.
Further on education, the county boss said over 100,000 needy students have benefitted from the Sh500 million bursary fund, noting that if it were not for the bursaries, many needy learners would have dropped out of school.
He was concerned over the uncertainty of the bursary due to sudden stoppage of the bursary due to prevailing tug of war over its legality.
On agriculture, Badilisha said the sector has transformed notably in dairy farming, noting that so far over 11,000 dairy animals have been served through subsidized artificial insemination program.
He added that through the program, the county expects to be producing 10 million litres of milk per year earning the county Sh500 million.
On sports Governor Badilisha anticipates having Nyandarua County as a sporting hub where his government is focused on renovating 8 stadiums across the county so as to create platforms for nurturing talents.
However, he expressed concern that delayed exchequer funding from the national government has impeded the timely completion of projects and some have even stalled.
Nyandarua County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa gave a stern warning to those engaging in livestock theft as well as illicit brew and other drugs and directed chiefs and their assistants to be vigilant in containing the vices.
On human-wildlife conflict, the county commissioner urged members of the public to be reporting injuries and deaths caused by wildlife invasion, reminding them that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has fast-tracked compensation.
By Kimani Tirus