Salient Secondary School Closed to Make Room for First University in Nyandarua
A second intake of 300 students is scheduled to begin studies at the refurbished Ol Jororok Agricultural Training Center, which will also serve as part of the new university’s facilities.
Salient Secondary School, located in Ol Kalou, is set to shut down permanently to facilitate the establishment of Nyandarua County’s inaugural university — a milestone development that comes after overwhelming public support gathered through county-led consultations. Photo/KBC Digital.
By Juliet Jerotich
Salient Secondary School, located in Ol Kalou, is set to shut down permanently to facilitate the establishment of Nyandarua County’s inaugural university — a milestone development that comes after overwhelming public support gathered through county-led consultations.
The 400 learners currently enrolled at the school will be transferred to nearby institutions to ensure a smooth transition. Speaking during a community engagement session, Governor Kiarie Moses Badilisha confirmed that the university will admit its first group of 300 students this September at the site formerly occupied by Salient Secondary.
A second intake of 300 students is scheduled to begin studies at the refurbished Ol Jororok Agricultural Training Center, which will also serve as part of the new university’s facilities.
“This is a historic achievement for Nyandarua,” said Governor Badilisha. “Through public participation, residents gave their full backing to repurpose the school into a university. For the first time, our county will host a higher education institution.”
Nyandarua has long stood out as the only county in the Mt. Kenya region lacking a university. The new institution, developed in partnership with the University of Nairobi, will initially offer degree programs in Agriculture, Education, and Business Administration.
“We are eager to start these courses locally so our youth can pursue university education within the county,” Badilisha added.
During its initial phase, the university will function as a constituent college under the University of Nairobi. Local students will be prioritized, and applications for the upcoming academic year are already being received.
Governor Badilisha emphasized that academic quality will be ensured through the University of Nairobi’s oversight. “Our students deserve world-class education, and they’ll now access it without leaving the county,” he said.
Construction is already underway for a permanent campus in Kapten, Ol Kalou, on a 50-acre parcel that was formerly part of the secondary school. The development is jointly funded by national and county governments.
University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Mande confirmed that planning is in its final stages. A principal has been appointed, with departmental leadership roles soon to be announced. “Our target is to have students report by August 18. Everything is being done within the existing legal framework to support a smooth launch and eventual autonomy for the institution,” he said.
Professor John Kimenju, who will lead the new college, stated that agricultural research will be a major focus — particularly regarding chemical and pesticide use in Nyandarua’s potato farming sector.
He also underlined the university’s role in offering community services, spreading knowledge, and driving sustainable development. “True development stems from knowledge, and knowledge must be made accessible to the community,” he said.
Senator John Methu and Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho called on locals to support the change and avoid politicizing the closure of the school. “All affected students will be properly placed in other schools,” said Senator Methu. MP Kiaraho noted that additional classrooms will be built using NG-CDF funds to accommodate the displaced learners.
Given Nyandarua’s strong agricultural foundation — particularly in potato, dairy, and vegetable farming — the presence of a university is expected to greatly enhance research, technology adoption, and training for local farmers.
By aligning academic programs with regional economic needs, the university aims to boost productivity, empower youth, and introduce innovations in climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness.
This transformative step not only brings a long-awaited higher education institution to Nyandarua but also positions the county as a future hub for agricultural research and academic excellence in the region.
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