Elgeyo Marakwet County has secured the official gazettement of Kerio Valley University College, clearing the way for the institution to open its doors in September 2026, Governor Wisley Rotich has announced.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the governor said the gazettement marks the final legal step before university becomes fully operational.
The university college will begin at Tambach and establish major campuses in four locations: Mokoro in Kerio Valley, Chebara Agricultural Training Centre, and Kimwarer, formerly the Fluorspar area.
“This now leads to the official opening of the University College in September this year,” Rotich stated.
Who helped open Kerio Valley University College?
The governor credited President William Ruto for the milestone and thanked Elgeyo Marakwet leaders for their role in pushing the project.
Those acknowledged include Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo, the county Senator, Woman Representative, MPs, MCAs, and other professionals.
Rotich also singled out the Kerio Valley University Task Force and the mentoring institution, University of Eldoret, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Cheruiyot and his team, for technical support during the setup phase.
He also extended appreciation to local communities for donating land at the four sites where the Kerio Valley University College will have a “heavy presence,” and thanked residents of Elgeyo Marakwet for accepting the institution within the county.
Importance of Kerio Valley University College
The establishment of Kerio Valley University College is expected to expand higher education access in the Kerio Valley region, which has historically had limited university presence.
With sites in Tambach, Mokoro, Chebara and Kimwarer, the multi-campus model is designed to leverage existing infrastructure and serve students across the county.
The University of Eldoret will mentor the new institution through its early years as it works toward full charter status.
