By Kurian Musa
Watailuk Mixed Day and Boarding School in Kiminini Constituency, Trans-Nzoia County, is considering a strategic transition into a university — a landmark step in the region’s quest to expand access to higher education.
The proposal was deliberated during a high-level consultative forum that brought together national government officials led by the Assistant County Commissioner, education stakeholders, community representatives, and a senior delegation from Egerton University.
Situated on approximately 20 acres, the institution hosted Egerton University’s leadership team, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension) Prof. Bernard Aduda, and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Planning) Professor Richard Mulwa.
Also present were the area Member of County Assembly (MCA), school Board of Management (BoM) members, parents, and local leaders.
Prof. Kibwage noted that while the available land provides a strong foundation for the proposed development, additional acreage would be required to meet the standards of a fully-fledged university.
He urged the local community to prepare for a university ecosystem by investing in complementary services such as accommodation, transport, hospitality, and other amenities essential for sustaining growth.
He emphasised that the presence of Egerton University’s top leadership at the grassroots engagement was deliberate and symbolic of the institution’s commitment.
“It is rare for a Vice-Chancellor and two Deputy Vice-Chancellors to attend such meetings,” he remarked, underscoring Egerton’s serious interest in assessing the site and supporting the process.
The University announced plans to establish a technical committee to guide the transition, a move expected to pave the way for formal government commitment.
Kiminini Member of Parliament, Kakai Bisau, has already written to the Commission for University Education (CUE) seeking approval for the establishment of a university in Trans-Nzoia County.
He has further requested Egerton University to provide technical, academic, and mentorship support.
In response, Egerton University expressed readiness to support the creation of an agriculture-based institution, aligning with the county’s agricultural potential and Egerton’s core mandate.
Bisau commended Egerton’s leadership for engaging directly with the community and offering expert guidance at an early stage.
“Egerton University is the best managed university in Kenya,” he stated, citing its strong governance structures, accountability, and consistent performance.
Prof. Kibwage encouraged the BoM, parents, and local administrators to fast-track approvals and preparatory processes, including land acquisition and public participation.
He advised that the institution should begin with academic programmes requiring relatively modest capital investment — such as humanities, social sciences, and performing arts — before gradually introducing science-based and laboratory-intensive courses as capacity expands.
The initiative was hailed as a transformative step that could position Trans-Nzoia County as a future hub for higher learning, research, and innovation, while unlocking socio-economic opportunities for the local community and beyond.
