Baringo County Approves Kabarnet Town for New University After 15-Year Wait

Baringo County Approves Kabarnet Town for New University After 15-Year Wait.

Baringo County residents have finally concluded that Kabarnet Town, the county headquarters, will host the new university, putting an end to a 15-year-long wait. This decision follows extensive deliberations, marking a significant milestone for the region.

Previously, two Taskforce reports had suggested Baringo National Polytechnic and Moi Teachers Training College (TTC) Baringo as the most suitable sites for the institution.

However, varying opinions among elected leaders led to disagreements, as each representative sought to have the university established within their respective constituencies.

This contest led President William Ruto to intervene in December 2024, directing an expedited resolution on the matter. Consequently, the university was designated as Kabarnet University College.

During a public participation forum at Kabarnet Social Hall, Baringo County Secretary (BCS) Jacob Chepkwony encouraged unity among leaders and residents, emphasizing the need for collective effort to ensure progress.

He noted that the institution would initially operate as a constituent college of Moi University until 2026, when it would gain full independence.

Following discussions, residents unanimously approved Kabarnet High School land as the university’s location, with Moi TTC in Seretunin temporarily hosting the first cohort of students.

Anticipated Benefits and Economic Impact

Chepkwony highlighted the necessity of additional institutions to enhance education standards while fostering social and economic growth in the region.

He acknowledged that initial disagreements among leaders had hindered progress but emphasized that the process had now included professionals and experts, eliminating political influences.

“Initially our leaders were in disagreement but we have decided we don’t want a political process; that is why we have involved everybody, including professionals and experts, in the process,” said Chepkwony.

Former Director General of Education Leah Rotich praised the decision, stating that the university would create numerous job opportunities for young people while providing higher education access to local communities.

She confirmed that all necessary procedures had been completed and that the first batch of students was expected to enroll by September of the same year, coinciding with the government’s allocation of Sh100 million for infrastructure development in Kabarnet Town.

Land Donation and Safeguards for Kabarnet High School

Kabarnet High School Chief Principal Julius Ndirangu revealed that the school’s board of management had agreed to allocate 50 acres of land for the university.

He explained that the decision followed a special board meeting held in February, which, despite initial difficulties, ultimately resulted in unanimous agreement.

However, he stressed the need for clear mechanisms to prevent potential encroachment on the high school’s land as the university expands.

Kabarnet Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Ernest Kibet expressed optimism that the university would catalyze key flagship projects within the municipality.

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These include the multibillion-shilling Kirandich Dam Phase Two, improved road networks, a modern sewerage plant, and ambitions for Kabarnet Town to achieve city status.

He urged residents to support the initiative and refrain from court interventions that could delay or jeopardize the project, noting that a similar legal dispute had cost the county the opportunity in 2014.

Baringo County has previously hosted satellite campuses from various universities, including Kisii, Mount Kenya, Egerton, Bugema, and Moi University in Mogotio. However, these campuses were short-lived due to multiple challenges.

The establishment of Kabarnet University College is now seen as a long-term solution to ensure sustainable higher education in the region.

Baringo County Approves Kabarnet Town for New University After 15-Year Wait.

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