NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has announced Sh1.2 billion for the construction of a new university in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County, which will be named in honour of the late area MP Johana Ng’eno.
Ruto announced on Wednesday, August 26, while addressing residents during his visit to the constituency, barely a week after former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua toured the area.
The President said the university was being established following a request from residents and would expand access to higher education for young people in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County, and surrounding areas.
“You asked me for the construction of a university here at Emurua Dikirr; I have today brought you Ksh1.2 billion for the construction of a new university that will be in honour of the late Johana Ng’eno,” Ruto said.
The institution will honour Ng’eno, who served as the Emurua Dikirr MP before his death in a helicopter crash in February 2026.
University plans had already been underway
The announcement builds on earlier government plans to establish a university college in the area.
In June, the government announced a Sh750 million allocation through the Ministry of Education to support the establishment of a Maasai Mara University satellite campus in Emurua Dikirr. The proposed campus was expected to admit its first students in September.
Ruto had also spoken about the project during Ng’eno’s funeral, pledging Sh750 million for the construction of hostels and instructing officials to secure land for the institution.
The latest Sh1.2 billion announcement therefore represents an expansion of the earlier commitment and signals a larger development plan for the institution.
Ruto announces road upgrade
During his visit, the President also announced plans to upgrade a major road serving the region.
Ruto said the government would construct a new Class B road linking Salgaa through Chebole, Abosi and Shartuka, improving connectivity between Emurua Dikirr and the wider South Rift region.
He said construction would be launched in October.
The President also commissioned or launched other projects during his Narok tour, including modern markets under the Economic Stimulus Programme.
Visit comes after Gachagua tour
Ruto’s visit to Emurua Dikirr came days after Gachagua toured the constituency and met members of the Ng’eno family.
Gachagua visited Ng’eno’s gravesite on August 21 and pledged to help construct a mausoleum for the late MP.
The close timing of the two visits has generated political interest in the constituency, with residents and political observers watching the growing competition for influence in the region.
Some residents have questioned whether Gachagua’s visit had influenced Ruto’s decision to tour the area.
