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Govt ropes in KDF to help build university in Nyamira within 10 months
26th October, 2025 01:49 AM
Months after President William Ruto made an ambitious promise to build a university in Nyamira, the Ministry of Education has broken ground for the project.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence led by Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will play an integral role in the construction of the Nyamira University College, a constituent college of Kisii University, in Nyamira County.
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According to CS Tuya, KDF will provide technical expertise to ensure the project’s successful completion within the planned ten-month timeline.
“This partnership between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, and the County Government of Nyamira is a testament to our shared commitment to deliver world-class infrastructure efficiently and transparently,” Tuya stated during the groundbreaking ceremony attended by Education CS Julius Migos and other local leaders.
Phase One of the project will feature the construction of a multi-purpose academic block housing lecture halls and administrative offices.
Subsequent phases will include the development of a library, laboratories, a medical centre, and sports and recreation facilities.
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The establishment of Nyamira University College is expected to significantly boost access to quality higher education, spur innovation, and create employment opportunities for residents, thereby contributing to the region’s long-term economic growth and social development.
Ruto’s promise
President William promised Nyamira residents a university in 2024 during his tour of the region. The president further pledged to donate Ksh500 million towards the construction of the institution.
“Let us continue to build a university here at Kiabonyoru, and that is on period. We have decided that the project should come to Nyamira because you have enough land,” he said during his tour in 2024.
His announcement triggered a tussle between local leaders regarding the university’s location. The proposed sites included Manga in Kitutu Masaba; Senator Kebaso Secondary School and Riakimai in West Mugirango; Ikonge and Kiamogake in North Mugirango; and Kiabonyoru, which lies on the border of North Mugirango and Borabu Constituencies.
However, after much discussion, the government settled on Kiabonyoru as the site for the university. Talks about the establishment of a university in Nyamira that started during the time of pioneer governor John Nyagarama.
Kisii University, working closely with the CUE, is expected to assist in the take-off of the proposed Nyamira University.
