Work has officially commenced on the construction of Kabarnet University College in Baringo County, with the project expected to expand access to higher education in the region and become a constituent college of Moi University.
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said the university project is currently about two per cent complete, with foundation works underway ahead of the commencement of vertical construction.
Mariru inspected the project, which is being supervised by the Ministry of Defence through the Kenya Defence Forces, and said the facility must be completed before June 2027.
“Work is officially underway at Kabarnet University College, which is set to become a constituent college of Moi University and an important milestone in the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education across the country,” Mariru said.
The project will be implemented in two phases and will include an Administration Block, Library Block, tuition facilities, amenities and other support facilities.
Mariru said the development would provide students with a modern and conducive environment for learning while addressing geographical barriers that have limited access to university education for some communities.
“For the people of Baringo County and the wider region, this project represents more than the construction of buildings. It is an investment in the future of our young people and a deliberate step towards bringing university education closer to communities that have for years faced geographical and other barriers to accessing higher education,” he said.
The PS said the Ministry of Defence would continue supporting national development programmes by using its technical expertise and capabilities to deliver strategic infrastructure projects.
During the inspection, Mariru was accompanied by the Chief of Special Projects at the Defence Forces, Brigadier Titus Sokobe, and a security team led by Baringo Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Ngeny.
Mariru also inspected the ongoing construction of the proposed 10,000-seater Kabarnet Stadium, which he said was progressing steadily and remained on course for completion by December 2026.
The stadium, whose groundbreaking ceremony was held in January, is also being supervised by the Ministry of Defence.
Mariru said foundation works at the stadium had been completed, with installation of the terraces already underway. The works will proceed concurrently with civil works and development of the playing pitch.
“The proposed 10,000-seater Kabarnet Stadium in Baringo County is taking shape, with works progressing steadily under close supervision,” he said.
The PS said the stadium would serve purposes beyond hosting sporting events, providing a community facility for young people, sports organisations, schools and other stakeholders.
He said the facility would also provide a platform for identifying, nurturing and showcasing sporting talent in Baringo County and the wider region.
The stadium is part of the government’s broader programme to expand and modernise sports infrastructure across the country and create sustainable opportunities for young people through sports.
Mariru said the project remained on course and was expected to be delivered within the stipulated timelines.
The two projects represent major infrastructure developments in Baringo County, with the university college targeting expanded access to higher education and the stadium providing additional sporting facilities for the region.
