In a monumental step toward transforming the educational landscape of the region, Trans Nzoia County Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria’s Bells University of Technology to establish a fully-fledged university within the county. The agreement was formalized on Tuesday at a high-profile event in Kitale, attended by top officials from both the county and the university.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor George Natembeya described the deal as a “game-changer” for thousands of young people in Trans Nzoia and the broader Rift Valley region.
“This university will be a game-changer, especially for children from humble backgrounds. Many families struggle to send their children to faraway towns for university. This initiative brings education closer and reduces that burden,” said Governor Natembeya.
🌍 Expanding Access to Higher Education Locally
The MoU lays the foundation for what will become Trans Nzoia’s first-ever university, with a vision to deliver quality, affordable, and locally relevant higher education. The university will offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s programmes, with an emphasis on:
- Engineering
- Agricultural Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Business and Management Studies
Professor Jeremiah Oludele Ojediran, Vice Chancellor of Bells University, who flew in from Nigeria to officiate the signing, said the institution was honored to extend its footprint into Kenya.
“We are excited to empower young minds in Trans Nzoia through academic programmes that meet local and regional development goals. Our priority is quality education that transforms lives,” he said.
🛠️ Task Force to Lead Planning and Implementation
A dedicated task force comprising key county officials will lead the development process. The team includes:
- Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama – County Executive for Education
- Kennedy Etiang – Chief Officer for Education and Vocational Training
- Charles Wabwoba – County Solicitor
- County Attorney and Planning Teams
They will oversee all technical, legal, and infrastructural groundwork, including site identification, regulatory compliance, and community consultations.
“This is not just about classrooms. It’s about giving hope to thousands of youths who deserve a shot at a brighter future,” emphasized Chief Officer Kennedy Etiang.
💼 Economic Impact: Jobs, Investment, and Growth
Beyond education, the university is expected to stimulate Trans Nzoia’s economy through job creation and increased demand for housing, food, transport, and retail services.
“With students and faculty coming in, the ripple effect on the economy will be significant. This is a call to our people to invest and prepare for new opportunities,” noted Governor Natembeya.
County Secretary Truphosa Amere and other senior leaders witnessed the signing, signaling unified commitment from the county leadership.
🗓️ What’s Next?
The university’s development planning will commence immediately, with community engagement and environmental assessments scheduled in the coming months. Groundbreaking is anticipated once foundational studies and approvals are complete.
✅ Key Highlights:
- 📚 First university in Trans Nzoia County to be developed in partnership with Bells University of Technology, Nigeria.
- 🌐 Courses to align with regional economic needs and offer both undergraduate and graduate programmes.
- 💼 Massive economic potential for job creation and business development across the county.
- 🧭 A task force of legal, education, and planning experts will guide the project’s rollout.
This collaboration marks a bold leap forward for Trans Nzoia, setting the stage for educational empowerment and economic transformation that will benefit generations to come.
