UoN to Mentor Kapenguria University College into Fully-Fledged Institution
On Thursday, July 29, 2026, the landscape of higher education in West Pokot was set for a historic transformation as the University of Nairobi (UoN) officially commenced its government-mandated role to mentor Kapenguria University College toward attaining a full charter and independent identity.
During this transition period, the college will offer University of Nairobi academic programs, ensuring that its pioneering students graduate with degrees from the region’s premier institution.
Rigorous Audit and Inspections Underway:
A high-level delegation of 30 officers from the University of Nairobi, led by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. John Demesi Mande, is currently on the ground in Kapenguria. The team, comprising deans, directors, and heads of departments, is conducting a comprehensive audit of the college’s preparedness.
Working in close collaboration with the West Pokot County Government, the UoN team is tasked with identifying compliance gaps and ensuring the college meets the stringent requirements set by the Commission for University Education (CUE). A detailed report will follow this exercise, serving as a roadmap before CUE is invited for a final inspection to authorize student admissions and the commencement of academic operations.
Welcoming the delegation at his residence, H.E. Simon Kachapin, Governor of West Pokot, expressed his gratitude to the University of Nairobi for accepting the mentorship role. He noted that UoN was specifically chosen due to its standing as a leading academic and research brand in the region.
Governor Kachapin highlighted the profound impact the university will have on a region that was historically viewed as marginalized.
"The establishment of a university here is not just about education; it is about bringing socio-economic transformation and opening West Pokot to the international community," Governor Kachapin stated.
The Governor emphasized that West Pokot is a county of "hidden treasures," boasting rich mineral resources like gold and highly productive land for agriculture and livestock. He noted that skilled manpower is essential to unlock this potential. To support this vision, the County Government has already invested in modern infrastructure, identified land for expansion, and committed sufficient financial and human resources to ensure a successful takeoff.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Ayub Gitau, Prof. Mande described the new partnership in symbolic terms, "Kapenguria University College is our new baby. We shall birth and nurture this baby together with the County Government until it starts walking and running," the Vice Chancellor’s statement read.
UoN is no stranger to this process, as it is currently mentoring other institutions, including Koitalel Samoei University College and Nyandarua University College. The mentorship marks the beginning of a rigorous journey toward full autonomy.
The atmosphere at the site of the proposed university was electric, as a large, elated crowd gathered to witness the inspection. Residents expressed high expectations, with many hoping to see the gates open for fresh students in the very near future. With a massive administrative and academic complex already constructed by the County Government, the momentum to begin operations is at an all-time high.
