Tharaka University Senate, in collaboration with education stakeholders in Tigania East Constituency, has unanimously agreed to establish a pioneer university campus at Koonju in Meru County.
The groundbreaking ceremony is set for June 26, 2026, when education stakeholders are expected to converge and witness the launch of the first-ever university campus in the region.
The decision was reached after a meeting between the university Senate and local leaders led by Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi.
“This is a historic milestone for our people and a major boost to higher education, youth empowerment, and economic growth in the Nyambene region,” said Aburi.
He noted that the institution will be the pioneer university campus in the region.
The lawmaker lauded Tharaka University Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Muriungi and the entire university Senate for agreeing to establish the campus in the constituency.
Leaders optimistic
Aburi expressed optimism that the new campus will transform the region economically and socially by uplifting the living and academic standards of residents.
“Let me assure you that the entire Meru community will benefit, including residents from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties. In order to improve education standards in the area, I urge all education stakeholders to fully support the institution,” said Aburi.
He advised residents to embrace and support locally based institutions of higher learning, saying they offer similar academic programmes to universities located far away.
“Residents should not go far again in search of universities. Those at the University of Nairobi study the same subjects, courses, and syllabus just like those who will join the Muthaara campus. Even those from Tharaka Nithi County should embrace exchange programmes by enrolling for courses at the Muthaara campus. I am fully determined to uplift education standards in the constituency,” noted Aburi.
He also called on parents to support their children’s education by enrolling them at the institution.
“We shall continue supporting the campus to ensure our children access higher education. The construction of Muthaara KMTC is almost complete. Education is the key to success because it positively transforms lives,” he said.
Residents welcome project
Residents who attended the meeting welcomed the project, terming it historic since it will be the first university campus to be established in the area.
They said the institution will transform the entire region and not only Muthaara Ward.
The residents challenged investors to construct hostels, hotels, shops, and other social amenities for lecturers, staff, and students once the institution becomes operational.
They noted that lecturers may initially rent houses in nearby towns before locals develop accommodation facilities.
The campus is expected to bring higher education closer to students in Tigania East and surrounding areas, cutting travel costs and making university education more accessible.
Education stakeholders thanked Prof. Muriungi, the university Senate, and Aburi for supporting the project, describing it as a major step towards youth and community development in the Nyambene region.
Long-held dream
For decades, students from the Nyambene region have travelled long distances to universities in Nairobi, Kisumu, Juja, Nakuru, Meru, and other towns in search of higher education.
Local leaders say the new campus will make university education closer, cheaper, and more convenient for families across Tigania East and the wider Nyambene region.
The announcement has turned years of lobbying into a reality for many residents.
“Today we held a productive meeting with the Senate of Tharaka University to deliberate on the establishment of the Tharaka University Nyambene Campus,” said Aburi after the meeting.
“I am pleased to report that the Senate unanimously agreed to establish the campus at Koonju.”
For Aburi, the decision is more than a policy achievement, as he has consistently pushed for improved access to higher education in the region.
Local economy
Education stakeholders say the campus will positively impact hundreds of households through business opportunities and job creation.
A stakeholder thanked Prof. Muriungi, the university Senate, and Aburi for their commitment to the vision, saying their dedication continues to inspire many.
Local traders and boda boda operators also expect economic benefits once the campus becomes operational.
University campuses often attract rental demand, small businesses, and part-time jobs for young people.
For a region where agriculture dominates, residents hope the campus will diversify opportunities and help retain local talent.
The choice of Koonju was informed by its accessibility to students from Tigania East, Tigania West, and neighbouring areas.
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If construction begins as scheduled, the first students could join the campus by 2027, marking a major milestone in expanding access to higher education in the Nyambene region.
By John Majau
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