The Kenyan government has officially launched the construction of the Sh1 billion Kabarnet University in Baringo County to expand access to higher education. President William Ruto broke ground for the project on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the region’s academic and economic landscape.
The multi-billion shilling facility will serve as a constituent college, focusing on specialized courses in environmental science and dryland agriculture. This initiative aims to provide local students with affordable degree programs while stimulating the regional economy through infrastructure development and job creation.
“This university is a promise kept to the people of Baringo,” President Ruto stated during the ceremony. “By investing Sh1 billion into this institution, we are ensuring our youth gain the technical skills necessary to drive Kenya’s industrial and agricultural transformation.”
The project includes the construction of modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories, administrative blocks, and student hostels. The Ministry of Education expects the first phase of construction to be completed within eighteen months, allowing for the first intake of students by late 2027.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba noted that the curriculum will be tailored to address unique regional challenges. He emphasized that the institution would partner with local industries to ensure graduates are equipped for the modern job market.
Local leaders, led by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, welcomed the development, noting it would reduce the distance students travel for higher education. Previously, many learners from the county had to seek university placement in neighboring Uasin Gishu or Nakuru counties.
Local entrepreneurs have already begun scouting for land near the site to build private student residences and commercial centers to support the upcoming population.The government has allocated the initial funding through the current financial year’s budget to ensure work begins immediately.
Contractors have already moved equipment to the site, and the local workforce will be prioritized for manual labor during the building phase.This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy to establish at least one university in every county. As construction progresses, the Ministry of Education will oversee the accreditation process to ensure the institution meets all national quality standards for higher learning and research.
