- West Pokot County has intensified efforts to establish Kapenguria University College through ongoing renovation and infrastructure upgrades at Keringet.
- Education CEC Rebecca Kidee says the institution will expand access to higher education and reduce the burden of studying outside the region.
- County leaders believe the project will drive skills development, research, innovation and socio-economic transformation.
West Pokot County is intensifying its efforts to expand access to higher education, with renewed momentum surrounding the establishment of the proposed Kapenguria University College at Keringet.
The push follows a high-level inspection led by County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Education Rebecca Kidee.
The visit, which came shortly after her engagement at a Senate Committee session in Nairobi, provided an opportunity to assess ongoing renovation works at the site earmarked for the institution.
The CEC was accompanied by the Director of Bursaries, Mr Kasiltich, and other senior education officials involved in project coordination and oversight.
At the centre of the inspection was the proposed Kapenguria University College, which is expected to become a strategic higher learning institution serving West Pokot County and the wider North Rift region.
During the inspection, the team engaged engineers, contractors and project supervisors to evaluate the progress of renovation works.
The review covered structural upgrades, learning facilities, administrative units and supporting infrastructure required for the institution’s future operations.
Officials also assessed workmanship standards, project timelines and overall preparedness for academic activities.
CEC Kidee reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to the project, describing it as a transformative investment in the future of the region.
She noted that the institution forms a central pillar of the county’s long-term education strategy, particularly in improving access, equity and skills development opportunities for young people.
According to Kidee, the university college will reduce the need for students to seek higher education opportunities outside the region, easing the financial burden on families while helping retain local talent.
Catalyst for Development
The CEC emphasised that education remains a key driver of socio-economic transformation in West Pokot.
She said the institution is expected to serve as a hub for innovation, research and community-focused development initiatives tailored to regional needs.
Mr Kasiltich, the Director of Bursaries, noted that the project would also ease pressure on county scholarship programmes by providing more learners with access to local higher education opportunities.
He added that improved access is likely to enhance student retention and completion rates, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Economic and Social Impact
Officials observed that the project has generated optimism among residents, who view it as a major step towards addressing historical inequalities in access to university education.
The institution is also expected to stimulate economic activity around Keringet through increased demand for housing, transport services and small businesses.
Beyond infrastructure development, stakeholders envision the institution evolving into a centre for applied research and innovation.
Construction and renovation activities at Keringet, the site earmarked for the proposed Kapenguria University College in West Pokot County.Priority academic areas are expected to include agriculture, environmental sustainability, teacher education and technical training.
CEC Kidee concluded the inspection by reaffirming the county government’s commitment to closely monitor implementation and maintain engagement with all stakeholders.
She emphasised that accountability, quality assurance and intergovernmental collaboration will be critical to ensuring the successful completion of the project.
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The inspection reflects West Pokot’s deliberate effort to transform long-standing education aspirations into reality and position the county for a new era of academic and socio-economic development through higher education expansion.
By Hillary Muhalya
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