Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Defence, Soipan Tuya, has officially launched the construction of Nyamira University College at Kiabonyoru Ward in Nyamira County.
Presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, CS Tuya affirmed that President William Ruto’s promise to ensure Nyamira gets its own university has finally been fulfilled, marking a major milestone achieved within record time.
“The close collaboration among stakeholders, Kisii University Council, the Ministry of Education, Nyamira County Government, and the Kiabonyoru community, demonstrates true commitment to this project. I commend your persistence in pursuing an institution of higher learning for Nyamira, and your determination has finally paid off,” said CS Tuya.
She assured residents that the Ministry of Defence would provide full technical support through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to ensure the project meets world-class standards.
“The Ministry of Defence is equal to the task and will not let the people of Nyamira down. The KDF team is fully committed to delivering modern, high-quality structures so that Nyamira University College becomes operational as scheduled,” she said.
Calling the event a “historic moment,” Tuya said the groundbreaking marked more than just the start of construction, it symbolized the realization of a shared vision to bring higher education closer to the people of Nyamira and the greater Gusii region.
“The establishment of Nyamira University College, a constituent college of Kisii University, will be a stepping stone for our youth to achieve their dreams, foster unity, and spur development across the county. Soon, this institution will stand as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and community transformation,” she added.
CS Tuya explained that the first phase of the project will include constructing a multipurpose academic block with 16 lecture halls and administrative offices. Subsequent phases will deliver additional facilities totaling 13 blocks in line with the master plan.
“The facilities will include academic blocks, administrative offices, a medical centre, catering units, hostels, sports facilities, and a guest house. This initiative marks the dawn of a new era that will nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs while transforming Kiabonyoru into an urban hub,” she said.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba thanked President Ruto for allocating resources for the project, noting that the new institution will admit its first cohort of students in the next academic year.
Kisii University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nathan Ogechi, acknowledged that establishing Nyamira University College had been a long and challenging process.
Prof Ogechi appreciated the goodwill and support from stakeholders and professional bodies who provided critical guidance to make the dream a reality.
Nyamira Deputy Governor, Dr. James Gesami, representing the County Governor, pledged continued support from the county government, including allocating additional land for expansion and sustainability.
The event was attended by Kisii University Council members, the Chancellor of Tharaka University Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, Vice Chancellors of Open University of Kenya and other institutions.
Others were, Kenya’s Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, political leaders from the Gusii region, Nyamira County Executive Committee members, administrators, and local residents.
By Deborah Bochere
