Nyandarua: Governor of Nyandarua County, Kiarie Badilisha, has revealed that the first cohort of the University of Nyandarua will commence their learning in September this year. Governor Badilisha, who was speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at the Boiman area, said so far, the newly established university, which is a constituent college of the University of Nairobi, has registered 89 students, with more to be registered in two weeks' time.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Governor lauded the inception of the university, noting its potential to boost the local economy, particularly in terms of increased consumption of milk and potatoes when the university becomes fully operational. In the realm of education, the county has supported over 100,000 needy students through a Sh500 million bursary fund. Governor Badilisha expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding this bursary due to legal disputes.

On the topic of agriculture, Badilisha highlighted the transformation within the dairy farming sector, reporting that over 11,000 dairy animals have benefited from a subsidized artificial insemination program. The county anticipates producing 10 million liters of milk annually, potentially generating Sh500 million in revenue.

In sports, Governor Badilisha envisions Nyandarua County as a sporting hub, with plans to renovate eight stadiums to foster talent development. However, he noted that delayed funding from the national government has hindered the timely completion of these and other projects.

Nyandarua County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa issued a warning against livestock theft and the production of illicit brews, urging local chiefs and their assistants to remain vigilant. On human-wildlife conflict, the commissioner encouraged residents to report incidents of injury and death, assuring them that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has expedited the compensation process.