Baringo County is set to get its first public university after the government officially launched construction of Kabarnet University College, a move expected to reshape access to higher education in the region.
The institution, to be built in Kabarnet town, will mark a major milestone for a county that has for years lacked a public university, forcing many students to seek higher education outside the area.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the Sh1 billion project will be implemented by a Chinese contractor working alongside the Kenya Defence Forces.
She described the project as a strategic investment aimed at expanding access to quality and inclusive higher education, not only for Baringo residents but also for students from across the country.
According to Tuya, the first phase of construction will focus on core academic infrastructure, including lecture halls, a library, an auditorium and an administration block. The phase is expected to be completed within 18 months, after which additional facilities will be rolled out in phases depending on budget allocations.
“Beyond its educational value, this project will serve as a catalyst for local economic growth by creating jobs for young people, supporting local businesses and stimulating demand within the community,” she said.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, in remarks delivered by Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, said the university will play a critical role in preparing young people for a competitive job market.
He added that the institution will be expected to embrace innovation, research and global standards in order to remain relevant in a rapidly changing education landscape.
The launch of Kabarnet University College is seen as part of the government’s broader push to expand access to higher education under Kenya’s growing network of public universities and constituent colleges.
For years, students from Baringo and neighbouring counties have relied on institutions in Eldoret, Nakuru and beyond, often facing high costs associated with travel and accommodation.
Leaders say the new university is expected to ease that burden while opening up opportunities for local talent.
Beyond education, the project is expected to inject new life into Kabarnet town and surrounding areas, with increased demand for housing, transport, retail and other services once the institution becomes operational.
The involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces in the construction also signals the government’s push to fast-track strategic infrastructure projects, a model that has been used in other national developments.
Once complete, Kabarnet University College is expected to grow into a fully-fledged university, positioning Baringo as an emerging education hub in the Rift Valley.
