Ruto Pledges Sh1.2bn for Emurua Dikirr University to Honour Late MP Johana Ng’eno
Ruto said the institution would expand access to higher education for students from Emurua Dikirr, Narok County and other parts of the country.
NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto announced on Wednesday a Sh1.2 billion commitment to construct a university named in honor of late MP Johana Ng'eno, located in Narok County's Emurua Dikirr. The university aims to broaden educational prospects for residents throughout the region and the nation. "Today, I have placed Sh1.2 billion in hand to erect the university in Emurua Dikirr, which will be christened after our brother Johana Ng'eno," Ruto declared to the crowd.
The president stated that the university would offer learning opportunities at multiple levels, including for higher education students and those enrolled at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). "Then it will continue, and your children will study, those in KMTC will study, those in primary school will study, and those in university will study," he added.
Ruto emphasized education's crucial role in Kenya's development, encouraging locals to pursue progress via development projects, planning, and intellectual pursuits rather than conflict. "The way to alter Kenya is to ensure that we employ education. This world is transformed through development projects, development plans, and matters of intellect, not through chaos, intrigues, shouting, or matters of war," he said.
Ng'eno, who represented Emurua Dikirr in Parliament for three consecutive terms, passed away on February 28, 2026, after a helicopter crash in Nandi County that claimed six lives. At the time of his demise, Ng'eno served as Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works. The proposed university expands on earlier plans to expand higher education access in Emurua Dikirr, with Narok County leaders earlier proposing a Maasai Mara University satellite campus and committing 100 acres of land for the project.
Ruto emphasized that the university would honor Ng'eno's legacy while expanding educational opportunities for young people. During the event, Ruto solicited residents' political backing, asking if they had agreed to collaborate before inquiring about their preferred political party. The crowd repeatedly responded with "UDA" when asked about their party choice.
The Sh1.2 billion pledge is anticipated to facilitate the university's establishment, commemorating Ng'eno as a tribute to the late legislator.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
