Trans Nzoia County is set to get its first fully-fledged university after Nigeria’s Bells University of Technology confirmed plans to establish a branch in Kitale Town.
The move comes just months after the county government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the owners of a facility in town aimed at expanding access to higher education.
County Secretary Truphosa Amere and County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training hailed the decision as a “game changer” for the County.
“For quite a long time, Trans Nzoia County did not have a well established university. This is going to boost the county both educationally and economically,” the officials said during a tour of the site.
Why Bells University is opening branch in Kitale
Bells University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jeremiah Oludele Ojediran said the institution is committed to bringing “quality, affordable and diverse academic opportunities” to local youth.
“Our aim is to empower young minds in fields like Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Management,” Prof. Ojediran said.
“We will offer undergraduate, postgraduate and master’s programmes tailored to meet both local and regional development needs.”
He added that the project would also create opportunities beyond academics.
“With students and faculty coming in, there will be demand for hostels, housing units, shops and services. This is an opportunity for our people to invest and grow their income.”
In addition, Prof. Ojediran said renovation of the facility that will house the University will begin soon.
County Secretary Amere stressed that the university’s impact would ripple across the county.
“This is not just about a building or classrooms. It’s about giving hope to thousands of youths who deserve a shot at a brighter future without having to leave their county,” she said.
Development planning is set to begin immediately, with community consultations as well as technical assessments expected in the coming weeks.
