Nyandarua University College to occupy repurposed 50-acre secondary school site

The government has confirmed that the former Salient Secondary School is being repurposed to host Nyandarua University College. This new institution will serve as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi, representing a major infrastructure shift for higher education in Nyandarua County.

Located at Captain Centre in Ol Kalou, the 50-acre site is being prepared to support a curriculum that is specialized in agriculture, business, and education. Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo noted that the development follows a growing demand for university placement across the country, requiring the expansion of existing facilities.

Plans for the institution involve an initial intake of 600 students. The student body will be split between two primary locations, with 300 learners based at the repurposed Salient site and another 300 stationed at the Ol Jororok facility.

The transition from a secondary school to a university campus is expected to drive localized economic activity and attract new investment to Ol Kalou. Beyond the academic benefits, the project is designed to improve local infrastructure and provide long-term socio-economic advantages for the surrounding community.

Both the National and County governments are providing joint support for the establishment. This partnership aims to ensure the site meets the technical requirements necessary for university-level instruction while maintaining the pace of enrollment targets.

The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is maintaining a supportive role in the rollout. This involvement is intended to ensure that the new university presence supports community stability and social cohesion as the campus begins operations.

By utilizing the existing footprint of the 50-acre Salient site, the government aims to fast-track the availability of degree programs in the region. The focus on agriculture specifically aligns with the economic strengths of Nyandarua, providing a direct link between the new campus and the local economy.

Local leaders have previously highlighted the necessity of a home-grown university to reduce the distance students travel for higher learning. The repurposing of the secondary school buildings provides an immediate structural foundation to achieve this goal without the delays of entirely new greenfield construction.

As the site transitions, the focus remains on ensuring the facility can accommodate the first cohort of students soon. This move is part of a broader strategy by President Ruto to decentralize higher education and increase the capacity of constituent colleges under premier institutions like the University of Nairobi.